rsync backup to a Synology NAS

This tutorial covers how to backup the userdata partition of your Batocera machine to a Synology NAS. This allows you to recover your data easily to a previous state in case of data loss.

Since the release of Synology Active Backup For Business, backing up a Batocera system via rsync became much more convenient than ever before. Please check if your NAS model supports Synology ABB on this link.

1. Install Synology ABB via Synology Package Manager
2. Start Synology ABB (if you are installing Synology ABB from scratch, you have register the application via the Synology online account portal, don't worry, it's completely free!)
3. Navigate to: File Server → Add Server
4. Choose rsync server:
   

   

   

   Add a server

   Click on Next

5. For the following input fields add the following values:
   Server Address: <my_Batocera_IPAddress_or_hostname>
   Connection Mode: Select rsync shell mode via SSH
   Port: Insert your Batocera instance's SSH port (Default: 22)
   Account: root
   Auth Policy: Choose By password (or alternatively By SSH key if you have set up password-less_authentication from your NAS to your Batocera instance before)
   Password: <myBatoceraRootPassword>
   

   

   

   Insert server data

   Click on Done

6. Now highlight the rsync instance you have just created and click on Create Task, then select your preferred backup mode:
   

   

   

   Select preferred backup mode

   Click on Next

7. Select all folders from the Batocera filesystem you want to backup (If you are unsure: Select the whole userdata folder but no other folders):
   

   

   

   Select preferred folders to backup

   Click on Next

8. For the following input fields add the following values:
   Task name: <myCustomTaskName>
   Local path: Click on Browse and select the preferred path where the backup should be stored on your NAS:
   

   

   

   Additional task settings

   Click on Next and then click on Done

9. When asked, confirm if you want to start the backup immediately. If you want to start the backup later manually, highlight the according rsync server, click on Task List and then click on Back up.

If you want to restore a single file or a full backup, do so by using the Active Backup For Business (Recovery) Portal which was installed automatically additionally on your Synology NAS when installing Synology ABB. It's pretty straightforward: Highlight the according folder(s)/file(s), right-click and choose Restore (don't forget to have your Batocera system turned on!):

Restore a backup

After successful restore process, reboot your Batocera system.

That's it, you're done!