Quick Answer
backup-tool-collector is safe. It is the official Acronis component that inventories backup jobs, aggregates catalogs, and tracks restore points so you can verify data protection.
What is backup-tool-collector.exe?
backup-tool-collector is a background service from Acronis that inventories, indexes, and reports on backup jobs across endpoints. It gathers metadata from local and remote backup agents, maintains catalogs, and surfaces status and history so you can verify restore points and protection coverage at a glance.
The collector runs as a background service, polling agents, updating catalogs, and delivering a unified view of backup health. It does not perform backups itself but coordinates collection and indexing for reporting.
Quick Fact: The collector centralizes backup metadata, enabling unified reporting and faster restore decision-making across devices within the protected environment.
Types of Backup Tool Processes
- Service Process: Manages the collector as a Windows service and coordinates tasks
- Collector Worker: Gathers backup job metadata from local and remote agents
- Catalog Publisher: Publishes catalogs to the user interface for quick visibility
- Scheduler: Triggers catalog updates based on backup policies
- Logger: Records events, errors, and audit trails
- Integrity Validator: Performs consistency checks on catalogs and history
Is backup-tool-collector Safe?
Yes, backup-tool-collector is safe when it comes from the legitimate vendor (Acronis) and is installed from official sources.
Is backup-tool-collector a Virus or Malware?
The real backup-tool-collector is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if backup-tool-collector is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\BackupTool\BackupToolCollector\backup-tool-collector.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\BackupTool\BackupToolCollector\backup-tool-collector.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the executable in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Acronis International GmbH".
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU and 40-120 MB memory per process. Consistent high usage outside backup windows is suspicious.
- Behavior:: The collector should run primarily during backup operations or scheduled catalog updates. Continuous background activity without backups is a red flag.
Red Flags: If backup-tool-collector.exe is located outside the official install directory (e.g., C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Users\Public), has no digital signature, or runs when backups are not scheduled, scan for malware. Be wary of similarly named files like "backup-tool-collector.exe.bak" or "backup-tool-collector64.exe" from unreliable sources.
Why Is backup-tool-collector Running on My PC?
backup-tool-collector runs to coordinate backup jobs, collect catalog data, and keep a current view of backup health across devices. It also monitors agent connectivity and ensures restore points remain discoverable.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Backup Jobs: A backup task is in progress or queued, and the collector is updating catalogs and statuses.
- Scheduled Backups: Policy-driven catalogs and metadata are refreshed for the next run.
- Background Catalog Sync: The collector keeps local catalogs in sync with remote repositories and cloud storage.
- Startup Service: The service is configured to start automatically so backups can run on system startup.
- Cloud and Agent Communication: Collateral communication with backup agents and cloud management ensures statuses are current.
Can I Disable or Remove backup-tool-collector?
Yes, you can disable or remove backup-tool-collector. Disabling stops backup cataloging and monitoring; scheduled backups may fail to detect changes and report status.
How to Stop backup-tool-collector
- Stop the Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate 'Backup Tool Collector', right-click, and choose Stop.
- Disable Auto-Start: In Services, set Startup type to Disabled or use Task Manager > Startup to disable 'Backup Tool Collector'.
- End Related Processes: Open Task Manager, end 'backup-tool-collector.exe' and any dependent modules if needed.
- Uninstall via Control Panel: Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > 'Backup Tool Collector' > Uninstall.
- Reconfigure Backups if Needed: If you switch to another backup solution, update your backup policies to avoid gaps.
How to Uninstall Backup Tool Collector
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Backup Tool Collector → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Backup Tool Collector → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after removal
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If backup-tool-collector is consuming excessive resources or failing to update catalogs:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Backups or Large Catalog: Prune old backups from the catalog and archive large catalogs to reduce indexing overhead.
- Poor Network Connectivity: Verify network paths, VPNs, and share permissions; ensure backup targets are reachable.
- Agent Connectivity Issues: Check firewall rules, open ports, and credentials for backup agents; re-register agents if needed.
- Scheduler Conflicts: Review backup schedules for overlaps; align timing to prevent simultaneous catalog operations.
- Outdated Software: Update to the latest version from the vendor to receive performance and stability fixes.
- Disk I/O Bottlenecks: Ensure sufficient IOPS; consider separating catalogs to dedicated disks and schedule off-peak indexing.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. In the UI, pause or restart any stuck backup tasks
3. 2. Clear temporary catalog data: C:\ProgramData\BackupToolCollector\Temp
4. 3. Update to the latest backup-tool-collector version from the official site
5. 4. Check network storage permissions and available space
6. 5. Review logs at C:\ProgramData\BackupToolCollector\Logs for errors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is backup-tool-collector safe?
Yes, backup-tool-collector is safe when installed from Acronis and located in the official program directory. Verify the path C:\Program Files\BackupTool\BackupToolCollector and signature.
Why is backup-tool-collector running all the time?
If you see backup-tool-collector.exe running constantly, check whether backups are scheduled or active; it may be normal during backup windows but unusual outside those windows.
Can I disable or uninstall backup-tool-collector?
You can disable or uninstall it, but doing so will stop cataloging and monitoring of backups. You can re-enable later if needed.
Where are the backup catalogs stored?
Catalogs are stored locally in C:\ProgramData\BackupToolCollector\Catalogs; you can copy them or reindex via the UI.
How do I view backup job statuses?
Open the Backup Tool UI or web console to view backup job statuses, recent runs, and restore-point counts. Use filters to see failures or successes.
What should I do if I suspect malware impersonating backup-tool-collector?
If you suspect malware impersonating the tool, verify the digital signature, compare file paths with official vendor locations, and run a malware scan using your security suite.