> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/backup-and-storage/backup-service/how-tos/create-backup-unit.md).

# Create a Backup Unit

Setting up automated backups requires the creation of Backup Units in which the backups of a group of servers are contained.

You will need to assign a unique **Name** and a **Password** for each Backup Unit. The Backup Unit is generated in the following format: **`<Contract number>-Name`**, for example: **`31898953-Backup001`**.

Backup Units can be shared with other Users and Groups like other resources.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Prerequisites:** Make sure you have the appropriate privileges. Only contract owners, administrators, or users with the **Create Backup Units** privilege can create a backup unit. Other user types have read-only access and can't provision changes.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Navigate to the Backup Unit Manager

1\. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Backup & Storage** > **Backup Unit Manager**.

![Manage VDC backups](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-adf7b5ffb3dede4ad37c7281d793f5d4ba5ef509%2Fbackup-service-backup-unit-manager.png?alt=media)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Create a Backup Unit

1\. Click **Create** to create a new Backup Unit.

2\. In the dialog, enter a unique **Name**, a **Password,** and an **E-mail** address to which the backup systems may send status reports.

3\. Confirm your entries by clicking **Create Unit**.

![Create a Backup Unit](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-bc92c11117edd2da7b77f69d223cec0838414788%2Fbackup-service-create-backup-unit.png?alt=media)
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The Backup Unit is now created and added to the list on the right in the **Backup Unit Manager**.
{% endhint %}

![Backup Unit properties](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-16748ee68d175feeb06e4bdda7d7408d6b990ec3%2Fbackup-service-created-backup-unit.png?alt=media)

## Automatic installation

The automatic setup of backups can only be applied to new servers before their first provisioning with an image provided and supported by <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code>. The default backup schedule may be changed any time after installation.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Prerequisites:** Make sure you have the appropriate privileges. Only contract owners, administrators, or users with the **Create Backup Units** and **Create Internet Access** privilege can create a backup unit automatically. Other user types have read-only access and can't provision changes.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Create and configure the server

1\. Create a new Server in the DCD.

2\. Add a boot drive to the Server.

3\. Select an <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code> image: **Inspector** > **Images** > **IONOS CLOUD Images**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Assign a Backup Unit

1\. In the **Backup Unit** field, select a backup unit to which you want to assign the server.

![Create a new server with storage and backup](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c13d7c8e99958c7e55d128eb6e74fc028401b4cb%2Fbackup-service-backup-unit-select.png?alt=media)

Alternatively, when no Backup Unit is available, you may create one.

2\. In the Inspector pane, select **Backup Unit** > **Create Backup Unit** and assign it to the server.

![Create a backup unit](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2469f3dd1ec0d56c6d132d8f87fb8bfe1b02c62d%2Fbackup-service-create-backup-unit-configuration.png?alt=media)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Initialize and provision the backup

1\. When a Backup Unit is chosen, the **Initialize Backup** window opens. Click **OK** to finalize.

![Initialize Backup](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c048e876b62d23c332e8b23a0f6116d45ae85ba3%2Fbackup-service-initialize-backup.png?alt=media)

Once the Backup Unit is chosen for your Server, you can continue by adding Internet access or further modifying the DCD.

2\. When ready, **Provision Changes**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The server is successfully provisioned, the backup agent is installed, and the default backup plan is activated.
{% endhint %}


---

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