An application and method for transmitting copies of data to a remote back-up site for storage, and for retrieving copies of the previously stored data from the remote back-up site. A user designates files from an originating computer for which to transfer copies to a destination computer. A uniquely assigned application ID is used to identify the location of the second computer. The originating computer submits a transfer request to the destination computer. The destination computer authenticates the transfer request. If the request is authenticated, the originating computer transfers copies of the designated files to the destination computer at the identified location via a communication network. Alternatively, a user designates previously stored files to retrieve from the destination computer. The originating computer submits a retrieval request to the destination computer for the designated back-up copy files. The destination computer authenticates the retrieval request. If the request is authenticated, the destination computer transfers the requested files to the originating computer.