Frequently asked questions
FREE backup costs nothing up to 2 GiB. Restore is paid only when requested, and its price is visible before you decide. Email help@ransombackup.com if your question is not answered. Never attach passwords or tokens.
Pricing
Is backup really free?
Yes. FREE lets you create and keep backups using up to 2 GiB of physical storage without a subscription. If you never request a restore, you never pay.
How much does restoring files cost?
The price is personal and based on actual account data. We aim to offer the best possible price without publishing the internal formula. You can view it at any time in your account before requesting or paying for restore.
Is payment automatic?
No. FREE has no automatic charges. You see the price first and choose whether to proceed; payment is handled manually during beta.
Windows setup
“The package is incomplete or modified.” What should I do?
Download the ZIP again, extract all files to a local folder and run Installa.cmd there. Do not move individual files. Check the SHA-256 shown on the homepage.
Why does Windows show SmartScreen?
Version 0.7.2-beta is not code-signed yet. Check the SHA-256 before choosing “More info” and “Run anyway”.
Why can I see a shell?
A command window may appear during installation. Scheduled backups start hidden afterwards. Contact support if a shell remains open after each backup.
Can I add multiple folders?
Yes. Use “Manage folders”. Removing a folder stops future backups of that path but does not delete existing snapshots.
Backup and restore
Can RansomBackup read my files?
No. Restic encrypts content, names and metadata locally, and the private password is not sent.
Which backups can I restore?
The account dashboard lists snapshot dates and identifiers reported by the client. Submit a restore request for the chosen snapshot.
Why is restore approval required?
The daily BACKUP token cannot download data packs. An approved request returns a temporary RESTORE token, limiting what malware holding ordinary client credentials can do.
Does “backup completed” guarantee recovery?
No. Keep the key offline, retain another copy and periodically perform a test restore.
Quota and retention
Does 2 GiB mean 2 GiB of original files?
No. It is the physical encrypted, deduplicated repository size. Usage depends on actual changed blocks.
What happens beyond 2 GiB?
About 200 MiB of technical tolerance may finish an in-progress backup. Further uploads are then suspended. You may request PLUS or create a separate account with another email.
Why is there no automatic pruning?
Selective Restic pruning needs the private password, which the server does not have. FREE clients deliberately have no delete permission.
When is an inactive account deleted?
After 60 days without qualifying activity it is disabled and quarantined for 7 days, then permanently deleted. Email warnings are helpful but delivery is not guaranteed.
Privacy
Does the public site use advertising cookies?
No. It has no third-party analytics, profiling or advertising. Normal security logs are described in the privacy notice.