Helper Help

Backing Up Your Data

Why Back Up Data?
»»   To protect your data in case anything happens to your computer, be it a virus, a power outage, or any other data-damaging system failure
»»   So that you can view your office data on your home computer
»»   So that you can transfer the program to your new computer
»»   We strongly recommend that you back up your database as frequently as you can. If you are entering a large amount of data each day, it would be wise to implement a daily database backup procedure.

How do I Back-up My Database?
There are two parts to the data backup process. One is backing the data up, and the other is restoring your data. (Note: To back up your data, you can use either an external Zip drive, 3.5” floppy discs, or a CD-RW drive which you have configured to be recognized as a system drive. We recommend that you use an external Zip or CD-RW drive, as most databases are larger than a single floppy disc; if the database is saved onto multiple discs, fragmentation is possible. Currently, CD-R drives do not work for data backup, because the media for backup must be a drive to which you can “drag and drop” the files. CD burners require an extra manual step – often called Create CD – and hence are not usable for the automated backup process.)

»»   First, everybody (all users) must be out of the program.
»»   Go to Start -> Programs -> Helper Series -> SPH/BH/IAH -> Data Manager
»»  Click Backup.
»»  The Backup dialog box will display a directory path. By default, this path will be a:\bhdata.bak (in most cases, this is your 3.5” floppy drive). If you are using a Zip drive, click Browse, and find your Zip disc. By default, Span Multiple Disks will be checked; it should remain checked.
»»  You may be prompted to insert additional disks, particularly if you are using 3.5” floppy disks. If you need to use multiple disks, LABEL THE DISKS by the order in which they are used.
»»  You are now done with your backup.

Restoring Your Data
»»  Go into Data Manager again, and click Backup.
»»  In the Backup dialog box, change the button from Backup Files to Restore Files (under Select Action).
»»  Click Restore. If you backed up to multiple floppy disks, you will be prompted to insert different disks. Follow the instructions to load the disks.
»»  When the program has finished the task, it will show you “Restoral completed successfully.”
»»  Click Backup.

Helpful Hints
»»  While you’re in the Data Manager, you can Compact and Repair your database. Using these tools will help ensure the health and stability of your database, and we recommend that you use them. From the Data Manager screen, first make sure that you have “Create backup file” checked, and select Repair. Then, remove the check from “Create backup file,” and select Compact. The program will tell you when the processes are successfully completed.
»»  If you are in a network configuration, we recommend that you back up your data from the main computer or server.
»»  If you want to view your office’s database on your home computer, you need to take the Helper Series CD-ROM home, and install the program on your home computer. You cannot view the database without having the program installed.

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