The Google Drive program allows you to create and save spreadsheets and text documents in an internet cloud. Google's former "Docs" is now part of the Google Drive program. Google Drive allows you to save files to its cloud, but it can also help you synchronize your computer's drive to avoid the loss of important data. Find out how to back up Google Docs.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Download Google Docs
Step 1. Log into your Google Drive account
You will need to enter the email address and password associated with your Gmail account.
Step 2. Click on "Drive" in the upper header of the browser
You will be directed to a page that will show all your documents.
Step 3. Click the box next to the word "Title"
This box will select all documents viewable on the page.
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If you prefer to select a limited number of documents, click on the boxes corresponding to the titles of the documents you are interested in. You will need to download them one at a time.
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Step 4. Create a "Google Drive" folder in the "Documents" section of your computer
After removing them from the "Downloads" folder, you will be able to save the files in this new location whenever you want to back up your documents.
Step 5. Right click on the first title
A drop-down list will be shown.
Step 6. Scroll down and click "Download"
A dialog box will appear.
Step 7. Select the "All Items" tab, instead of the "Selected Items" tab
The drive allows you to download up to 2GB at a time.
Step 8. Choose the format in which you want to save your documents
You can choose Microsoft Office, Open Office or PDF format.
Make sure you have a program with which to open the chosen file type. For example, you cannot save a file in MS Office format if you do not have the related program on your computer
Step 9. Click on "Download"
Before being downloaded, your files will be converted to a zip file.
Step 10. Retrieve the documents from the "Download" folder and transfer them to the "Google Drive" backup folder on your computer
Step 11. Repeat these steps often, replacing files with updated copies or saving them in different versions
Backups should be done at least once a week.
Method 2 of 4: Sync Google Drive
Step 1. Log into your Google account
Click on the "Drive" tab.
Step 2. Download the Google Drive application for Mac or PC
Google may recognize the type of computer you are using and suggest the right application to use.
Step 3. Click on the Google Drive program in the downloads folder
Follow the instructions in the dialogs to install it on your computer. Keep the Google Drive program in your applications folder for easy access.
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If necessary, enter your Google account information.
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Step 4. Launch the Google Drive application on your computer
If you don't change your preferences, the program will automatically sync with your Google Drive account.
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In the Google Drive menu, select the "Preferences" or the "Settings" option. They will differ depending on the Mac or PC application installed on your computer. Make sure the box for syncing Google Drive documents to your computer in backup format is checked.
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Step 5. If you wish, choose to sync specific folders
To do this, select "Only sync some folders with your computer" in the "Settings" section.
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Choose the folders you want to sync. Click on "Apply changes" every time you change the settings.
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Method 3 of 4: Using Google Takeout
Step 1. Go to Google Takeout
Through this service you will get a zip folder with all your data related to Google Drive, thus having the possibility to store them locally, offline and on multiple hard drives.
Step 2. Click on the blue "Create an archive" button
Check the box with the Drive logo and follow the instructions provided.
Step 3. Wait until the zip folder can be downloaded
Then save and use the backup according to your needs.
Method 4 of 4: Use a Third Party Provider for Backup
Step 1. Look for other providers that provide Google Doc document backup service, such as Spanning, Syscloud or Backupify
There are several providers of this service which vary according to the services offered, the level of security used, the trial versions or free accounts provided and the costs.
Step 2. Select the service that best suits your needs and, if available, sign up for a free trial
This service will likely have limited functionality, or will provide a fully functional package with an expiration in a short period of time.
Step 3. Try all the services you want, you can decide to use the one you prefer later
When choosing the service, sign up for a Pro account on their site.
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Most of the services that offer full functionality are paid, but usually the cost is limited to a few euros per month.
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Step 4. Configure the backup settings
Once registered, the Google Docs backup is done automatically and saved in the cloud, from here you can access information, restore old data, or make changes from any place and device.
