Automatic backups are encrypted local restore points created on the schedule and execution mode you choose. They are Off by default and are separate from a manual Create backup now action.

When to use it

Use this guide when you want scheduled local restore points and have decided whether the app may run while open only or through the supported closed-app task runner.

Before you begin

  • Open Workspace Backup and confirm the local device can protect a saved smart password.
  • Choose a writable backup folder and decide whether the app may run the schedule while closed.
  • Decide how many automatic points to retain. Manual and safety points are protected from automatic retention.

Steps

  1. Enable automatic backups

    In Automatic Backups, turn on Enable automatic backups.

  2. Choose a folder

    Set Backup folder or select Browse, then choose a local destination.

  3. Set the schedule

    Choose a Frequency (Daily or Weekly) and set Preferred time. The time is local; missed backups catch up after startup.

  4. Choose the execution mode

    Under When should automatic backups run?, choose Only while Paydae is open or Even when Paydae is closed. The second option uses the Windows background task runner on this device.

  5. Set retention

    Set Automatic backups to keep. This retention count applies to automatic points only; Manual and safety backups are never deleted by automatic retention.

  6. Protect the smart password

    Select Set smart password and save a protected local password when the device offers secure storage. The password is protected by the device and is not displayed or uploaded.

  7. Save and test settings

    Select Save settings. Create automatic backup now tests the saved enabled configuration and may remain unavailable while a new enabled draft is unsaved.

What to check

Completed restore points appear under Backup restore points with type, local creation time, size, and verification status. Expand File details for the filename and full path. A point marked Missing is a record of a file that is no longer at that location.

The automatic-backup status can show Off, Ready, Due, Snoozed, Running, Failed, Needs password, or Unavailable. Closed-app scheduler status is separate and can show Disabled, Enabled, Active, Needs repair, Failed, or Unavailable. The settings screen shows both the Requested execution mode and the Effective execution capability. If you request closed-app backups while the task registration is missing or out of date, the effective mode remains app-open-only until repair succeeds. Check Last backed up, Catch-up due/Next automatic backup, and Last automation run; a selected mode or Enabled scheduler status does not confirm a completed backup.

Saving settings and registering the Windows task are separate outcomes. If the settings save succeeds but task registration fails, the screen says the settings were saved and closed-app backups need attention. The saved schedule remains available to the app-open scheduler, and Create backup now remains available. Corrupt saved scheduler/settings state can also require repair; use the displayed reason and repair action. Repair the task before relying on closed-app execution.

Windows Task Scheduler can omit XML fields whose effective values are schema defaults. Paydae checks the task’s effective settings—for example, an omitted RunLevel means LeastPrivilege—along with its current runner, schedule, and account. An omitted default by itself does not mean the task needs repair. If the screen reports Needs repair, use Repair closed-app backups and confirm the effective capability afterward.

If another settings change was saved while you were editing, the screen refreshes to the latest saved values and rebases your unsaved edits. Review the current frequency, folder, and execution mode, then save again. The first save was not applied when the screen reports a revision conflict.

Scheduling boundaries

With Only while Paydae is open, the desktop host can run while the app is open and catch up after startup when a scheduled point was missed. With Even when Paydae is closed, Paydae registers a current-user Windows Task Scheduler task that starts a short-lived runner. The configuring Windows user must remain signed in. The task runs only when the setting, destination, workspace, and protected password are usable. After an app upgrade, use Repair closed-app backups if the task needs attention; repair resolves the runner from the current installation. See Closed-app backup expectations.

When uninstalling Paydae, the installer removes only backup tasks owned by the current Windows user and this exact installation, including tasks for a custom workspace data directory. Upgrades preserve the task. Normal uninstall preserves workspace data unless the installer’s data-removal option is selected.

Common problems

Automatic backups are unavailable

secure device storage may not be available. Manual encrypted backups remain available.

Needs password

set or re-enter the smart password, then save settings.

Closed-app scheduler says Needs repair or Failed

use Repair closed-app backups, read the displayed reason, confirm the normal Windows account that owns the workspace is signed in, and save the settings. If Task Scheduler itself is unavailable, use app-open mode or manual backups until it is available.

Folder is missing or not writable

choose a local folder and use the displayed repair action if offered.

Status is Due or Failed

inspect the last automation run, free space/permissions, and password state; create a manual point while repairing the schedule.

Retention removed the wrong file

automatic retention must not delete manual or safety backups. Preserve the run history and escalate the displayed result.

Bureau and single-organisation notes

Automatic settings protect the local workspace on the device; they do not create a separate cloud copy per Bureau client. Set retention and access controls to match your organisation’s local records process.

Related guideBackup and restore overviewRelated guideClosed-app backup expectationsRelated guideCreate a manual backupRelated guideBackup restore issueRelated guideReview and verify backup restore points