User permissions requirements for the backup agent (Windows)

Overview

In the default Windows installation (installing the Code42 backup agent for everyone on the device), Code42 relies on the read/write permissions of the Windows system account to access your files. However, there are some files or folders the system user may not have permission to access. Alternatively, your organization's systems administrator may have removed the system account from the permissions list.

If you need to back up these files or directories, follow this tutorial to re-add the system account to their permissions lists.

Affects

The Code42 backup agent on Windows computers

Considerations

• The Windows system account is used by services and processes within Windows to log on internally. This account has administrator-level access to most files. This means that Code42 can use the Windows system account to access and back up system files that are typically inaccessible to a logged-in user.
• The system account is on most Windows computers by default.
• On removable drives, ensure that SYSTEM permissions are set in order to collect all file activity on the drives. 

Recommended solution

Add system permissions

1. From Windows Explorer, right-click the file or directory that needs the SYSTEM account added and select Properties.

2. Select the Security tab and click Edit.

3. Click Add.

4. Type SYSTEM into the box and click OK.

5. Click Apply and OK.

After you update your permissions, you can tell the Code42 agent to scan your backup set for file changes to start back up the files.

Related topics

• What should you back up?
• File verification scan
• Code42 backup agent reference