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Version: TOS 7

Centralized Backup Agent

Centralized Backup Agent is the client-side component of Centralized Backup. Before initiating any data backup tasks, the Centralized Backup Agent must be installed on the target device to ensure smooth backup operations.

Downloading and Installing Centralized Backup Agent​

  1. Download: Go to Centralized Backup > Add Device > Download Centralized Backup Agent.
  2. Install: Run the downloaded installer on a compatible target device. Read and accept the TerraMaster Terms of Service to begin the installation.
  3. Update: The agent can be updated by directly installing a newer version of the installer on the device.
  4. Uninstall: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program in Windows. Locate and select Centralized Backup Agent, then click "Uninstall" and follow the standard uninstallation process.
Note
  1. To manage and use Centralized Backup Agent, a Windows account with administrative privileges is required.
  2. Centralized Backup Agent supports only 64-bit Windows devices.

Requirements and Limitations​

  • Supported Windows Versions:
    Windows 11 (all editions)
    Windows 10 (all editions)
    Windows Server 2022 (all editions)
    Windows Server 2019 (all editions)
    Windows Server 2016 (all editions)

  • Supported File Systems:
    NTFS

Backup Configuration​

How to Connect with Windows​

  1. Download and install Centralized Backup Agent on the target device.
  2. Enter your TNAS credentials in Centralized Backup Agent to connect to TNAS.
  3. Once connected successfully, the device will appear on the target page in Centralized Backup.
  4. Create and execute the backup task.

System Tray Icon Management​

When the client window is closed, the agent service continues running in the background. It appears as a system tray icon in the Windows taskbar notification area. Right-clicking the icon opens a context menu with available options:

  1. Edit Connection: If the server address changes (IP or domain), the user can update the connection using previously saved credentials. If any input is incorrect, the operation will be unauthorized, and the backup will remain unchanged.
  2. Logout: Logging out requires TOS administrator privileges. Once logged out, all connections between TNAS and the server will be terminated.
  3. Language: Switch the client interface language.
  4. User Guide: Opens the browser and redirects to the application help documentation.
  5. Exit: Exiting the application does not stop the background service. The user can relaunch the agent via Start > Centralized Backup Agent at any time.

Create Restore Image​

Supported Device Types​

USB:
Required capacity: 2 GB
Temporary local system storage space: 3 GB
Supported recovery type: UEFI 64-bit

ISO Image:
Required capacity: 2 GB
Temporary local system storage space: 3 GB
Supported recovery type: UEFI 64-bit

Note

All detected USB devices will be listed in the dropdown menu of the Centralized Backup Agent Restore Image Creator. Please select the target USB device and click "Create" to initiate the automatic restore image creation process.
Warning: Once the USB image creation process begins, it cannot be undone. Ensure you want to proceed before starting the USB restore image creation.

Installing Windows ADK​

  1. If the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) is not detected, a pop-up will appear. Click "Download" and follow the wizard to complete the Windows ADK installation. Make sure to install both Windows ADK and the Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE).
  2. Deployment Tools and Windows PE are essential components for building restore images. Installing the Windows ADK may take several minutes. It is recommended to use version 1803 of Windows ADK for best compatibility.
Note
  1. It is recommended to use the Windows PE version downloaded and installed via Windows ADK as Windows 10 (Version 1803) WinPE.
  2. Starting from Windows 10 (Version 1809), the Windows PE required to create a recovery image is released separately from the Windows ADK. To create a recovery image, you need to download and install Windows ADK and the WinPE add-on. For more information, refer to the Microsoft article Creating a Bootable WinPE Recovery Image.
  3. When downloading and installing Windows ADK, a network connection is required. If the online ADK installer cannot be used for GUI installation, refer to the Microsoft article Installing Windows ADK Offline for more information.

Setting Time Zone and Language​

The Centralized Backup Agent Restore Image Creator automatically detects and applies the local system's time zone and language to the created restore image. If local settings cannot be detected, default values will be used: Pacific Standard Time (PST) and English.

How to Launch the Restore Image​

  1. After creating the recovery media, insert the USB device into the device to be restored, then restart and press the Del key to enter the BIOS setup interface (Note: shortcut keys may vary by motherboard manufacturer; common keys include F2, F12, or Esc).
  2. After entering the BIOS, switch to the "Boot" tab and set the USB device as the first boot option.
  3. Save the settings and exit (usually by pressing F10). The Windows system will boot from the USB and guide you into the Centralized Backup Agent recovery wizard, after which you can begin the recovery process for the Windows device.