# Set Up 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 %}

## Create a Backup Unit

1\. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Storage & Backup** > **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_unit_manager.png?alt=media)

2\. Click **+ Create** to create a new Backup Unit.

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

4\. 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%2Fcreate_backup_unit.png?alt=media)

{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The Backup Unit is now created and added to the list on the right inside of 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%2Fcreated_backup_unit.png?alt=media)

## Automatic installation

The automatic setup of backups can only be applied to new servers prior to their first provisioning with an image provided and supported by IONOS Cloud. 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 %}

1\. Create a new Server in the DCD.

2\. Add a boot drive to the Server.

3\. Select an IONOS Cloud image: **Inspector** > **Images** > **IONOS Images**.

4\. In the **Backup Unit** field, select a backup unit to which you wish 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-2c0d97cdbea2932573e2633261b977f976cbea9e%2Fbackupunit_select.png?alt=media)

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

5\. **Inspector** > **Backup Unit** > **+ Create Backup Unit** and assign it to the server.

6\. 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-f589e969aca08fc807457ae74dd8ebcaa4bebb59%2Finitialize_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.

7\. When ready, **Provision Changes**.

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