Back Up Your Files to Box with Box Drive

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Description

This article provides instructions on how to back up your files from your Windows Computer to Box with Box drive at Idaho State University (ISU). Regular backups help protect your work from accidental loss, device failure, or replacement. 

Box Drive Backup Recommendations

  • Estimated time: 10–60 minutes, depending on the number of files, their size, and your internet connection. The initial backup may take longer than future backups.
  • To help protect your work, back up your files at least once a month and whenever you make significant changes to your files.
  • Whenever you change your ISU password.
  • Before replacing or repairing your computer.

Warning: Only backup university work files. Do not store personal or sensitive information in Box unless permitted by university policy.

Guide Navigation

Step 1: Install Box Drive (Windows)

If Box Drive is already installed, skip to Back Up Your Files. 
  1. Go to Box Drive.
  2. Select Add.
  3. When prompted for permissions, select Proceed.
  4. A new browser tab will open to the Box downloads page.
  5. Select Download Box Drive for Windows.
  6. Open your Downloads folder. 
  7. Double-click the downloaded installer and complete installation.
  8. When Box Drive sign-in window appears, select Log In.
  9. Enter your ISU email address.
  10. Complete the ISU SIngle Sign-On process using your ISU credentials.
  11. If prompted to open the Box application, select Open.
  12. The Welcome to Box Drive window appears. You can take the tour or close the window.
  13. Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E ) and verify that Box appears in the navigation pane.

Step 2: Create a Backup Folder

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
  2. Select Box from the left navigation pane. 
  3. Create a new folder
    • Right-click inside Box and select New > Folder.
  4. Give the folder a unique name, such as:
    • My Computer Backup
    • Do not share the folder with anyone.
  5. Open the backup folder in a new File Explorer window.
  6. Open a second File Explorer window. 

You should now have:

  • One window that shows your Box backup folder.
  • One window that shows files on your computer.

Note: Do not backup folders that already synchronize with cloud storage. Backing up these folders creates duplicate copies of your files. 

Do not back up:

  • Box
  • Google Drive
  • DropBox
  • OneDrive (if used)
  • Any other cloud storage folders

Step 3: Copy Your Files to Box

Warning: Always use Copy, not Move files, to avoid accidentally removing files from your computer. 

  1. In the second File Explorer window, navigate to:
    • This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Users > YourUsername
  2. Select the folders you want to back up:
    • Most users should back up:
      • Desktop
      • Documents
      • Downloads
      • Pictures
      • Videos
  • To select multiple folders, hold Ctrl while selecting each folder.
    • Right-click the selected folders and choose Copy.
    • Switch to your Box backup folder.
    • Right-click inside the folder and choose Paste.

Step 4: If You See Copy Errors

Some Windows system files cannot be copied.
  • If Windows reports that certain files cannot be copied:
    • Select Skip for those files.
    • If you are unsure whether a file should be skipped, contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. 

Step 5: Verify Your Backup

After the copy is complete:
  1. 1 Open your backup folder in Box.
  2. Verify that your uploaded files display a blue cloud icon. 

The blue cloud icon indicates that the files have been uploaded successfully and are stored in Box. 

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