Backup Virtual Reality data with vrBackupper
VrBackupper is a free backup program for Microsoft Windows that lets you back up virtual reality data for safe keeping or migration.
Virtual Reality is not mainstream yet, but it seems to have better chances than 3D TVs to get there. We have a couple of competing systems that are available right now, including Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Playstation VR.
The VR technology is not there yet to reel me in, but second or third generation might just do that. It all depends on the tech getting better -- do away with the cables for instance --and the apps and games also getting better as they are mostly casual ones right now.
vrBackupper
VrBackupper is a free Windows software designed specifically for the Oculus Rift virtual reality device.
It allows you to migrate the Oculus installation to another location, or to back up or restore the Oculus installation directory.
The developers had to change the name from Oculus Backupper to vrBackupper recently. While that was something they had to do, it could pave the way for turning the program into a universal virtual reality backup solution.
For now though, it only supports Oculus installations.
The program is dead easy to use. It detects the Oculus directory automatically on start, and lists the two options migrate or backup/restore in the main interface.
If you select migrate, all you have to do is pick a target location of the Oculus installation on the computer.
The backup and restore feature works similarly. You may back up or restore the whole Oculus installation directory, or only games and apps.
If you select backup, pick a target location for the data, and if you select restore, the location the backup was saved in previously.
The program ships without any options. One issue that you may encounter is that it may fail to detect the Oculus installation directory. There is no option to set the directory manually, so that you are effectively blocked from using the program when that happens.
Migration can be useful if you run into space issues on the drive Oculus is installed on. This can also be useful if you purchase a new computer, and want to move the data to the new computer instead of downloading it again.
Closing Words
VrBackupper is a specialized backup program for Windows that Oculus owners may find useful. While there is usually no need to back up virtual reality data, the migration option may prove useful.
I'd like to see options added to the program. First, an option to set a custom installation directory to avoid being blocked if the installation directory is not detected correctly.
Second, a couple of extra bits of information, like the amount required to back up the data and free storage of the target location.