How to Enable or Disable Backing up to a Network Location in Windows 7 and Windows 8

   Information
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable all or specific users from being able to save a Windows Backup to a network location in Windows 7 and Windows 8.


   Note
In Windows 7, only the Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions are able backup to a network location.

In Windows 8, only the Windows 8 Professional and Enterprise editions are able backup to a network location.


EXAMPLE: Backing up to Network Location Enabled and Disabled
Backup to Network Location - Enable or Disable-set_up_backup.jpg
Backup to Network Location - Enable or Disable-enabled.jpgBackup to Network Location - Enable or Disable-disabled.jpg



OPTION ONE

Enable or Disable Backing up to a Network Location using a REG File


1. To Enable Backing up to Network Location for Only Current User
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.
Enable_Backing_Up_To_Network.reg
2. To Disable Backing up to Network Location for Only Current User
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.
Disable_Backing_Up_To_Network.reg
3. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

4. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

5. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.





OPTION TWO

Enable or Disable Backing up to a Network Location in Group Policy


1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.
2. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Backup, and Client. (see screenshot below)
Backup to Network Location - Enable or Disable-gpedit-1.jpg
3. In the right pane of Client, double click/tap on Prevent backing up to network location to edit it. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Backing up to Network Location
A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
5. To Disable Backing up to Network Location
A) Select (dot) Enabled, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Backup to Network Location - Enable or Disable-gpedit-2.jpg
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
That's it,
Shawn