Google has announced that its Album Archive, a storage destination for older media shared on Google services, will be shutting down on July 19.

If you have any photos or videos stored in the Album Archive, it is crucial to take action now to save your files before they are deleted. In this article, we will guide you through preserving your precious memories and important files.

Save Files from Google Album Archive

To safeguard your media before the shutdown, Google recommends using Google Takeout, a data export tool provided by the company. Follow these steps first shared by CNET to initiate the backup process:

• Access the customized Google Takeout link that will be provided to you.
• In Step 1, ensure that the checkbox next to "AlbumArchive" is selected and proceed to Step 2.
• Choose your preferred option for storing the files: receiving a ZIP or TGZ file via email or uploading directly to a storage service like Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or Box.
• Click the "Create export" button to initiate the download.
• You will receive a verification message informing you that the export process has started. 

Note that the duration can range from hours to days, depending on the size of your data. You will receive an email notification once the export is complete.

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It is important to note that the Google Takeout link for downloading your data will be active for only seven days. 

If you miss this window, you must restart the Takeout process. Therefore, it is advisable to act promptly to avoid any potential loss of files.

Managing Files, Future Accessibility

While Google's email communication to users may have varied slightly from the information on the Album Archive page, it is crucial to review the files stored in your Album Archive and download anything you wish to keep before the shutdown date. 

After July 19, 2023, the Album Archive will no longer be accessible.

Alternative Google Platforms to Manage Your Content

Blogger: You can view and manage your image content.

Google Account: Access and manage your past and current profile photos.

Google Photos: View and manage your photo albums.

Google Chat (formerly Hangouts): Utilize Google Takeout to download your Hangouts attachments.

If you are a Google Workspace account user, please note that your organization's administrator may control the availability of Google Takeout. It is recommended to consult with them regarding the usage of this tool.

Preserve Your Memories

As technology and online services evolve, staying proactive in safeguarding our digital memories is crucial. 

Google's decision to shut down Album Archive highlights the importance of regularly backing up and organizing our files. 

By taking immediate action to save your media using Google Takeout, you can ensure that your photos and videos remain safely stored and easily accessible beyond the Album Archive shutdown.

Remember, the clock is ticking, and the July 19 deadline is approaching fast. Take your time securing your files; act now and preserve your precious memories for years to come.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

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