Do you backup your Gmail account? Twitter and Google support forums are alive this morning with Gmail users complaining that their accounts have been reset over the weekend. Deleting thousands of Gmail users’ emails dating back years, together with attachments and Google chat history.
If you have logged into your Gmail account this morning to the ‘Welcome to Gmail’ screen, then unfortunately, you have already been affected by the problem.
Google has this morning released figures stating that around 0.08 per cent of users have been affected, which translates to around 150,000 people. But Google is now working on a solution and says: “Affected users will be temporarily unable to sign in while we repair their accounts.”
So if you can’t log in, don’t worry too much at the moment as Google is on the case and trying to restore your account.
Google’s Response and Ongoing Efforts
Google has been making updates about their Gmail issues via its Apps Status Dashboard. The company has assured users that they are actively working on resolving the issue and restoring affected accounts. According to a statement from Google:
“Our team is continuing to investigate this issue. We will provide an update by February 28, 2011 8:36:00 AM UTC with more information about this problem. Thank you for your patience.”
This incident has highlighted the importance of having a backup for your Gmail account. While Google is generally reliable, no system is entirely foolproof. Having a backup ensures that you won’t lose important emails, attachments, and chat history in case of unexpected issues.
How to Backup Your Gmail Account
If you are wondering the best way to backup your Gmail account, there is a free application designed specifically for this purpose called Gmail Backup. This application is versatile and will run on Mac, PC, and Linux. It allows you to create a local copy of your emails, which can be invaluable in situations like this.
In addition to Gmail Backup, there are other methods and tools you can use to safeguard your emails. For instance, you can use Google Takeout, a service provided by Google that allows you to export your data from various Google services, including Gmail. This service lets you download your emails in MBOX format, which can be imported into other email clients like Mozilla Thunderbird.
Another option is to use third-party email clients that support IMAP, such as Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail. By configuring these clients to sync with your Gmail account, you can create a local copy of your emails on your computer. This method not only provides a backup but also allows you to access your emails offline.
For businesses and professionals who rely heavily on email communication, investing in a more robust backup solution might be worthwhile. Services like Backupify offer automated, cloud-based backups for Gmail and other Google Workspace applications. These services provide additional features like version history and easy restoration options, making them a good choice for those who need a more comprehensive backup solution.
In conclusion, while Google is working diligently to resolve the current issue affecting Gmail users, it serves as a reminder of the importance of regularly backing up your email data. Whether you use a free tool like Gmail Backup, Google Takeout, or a more advanced service like Backupify, having a backup can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
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