How Do I Backup ProfitSystem Data

Overview

The most important job of working with a computer is to back-up it's data on a daily basis. Computers are mechanical and thus can break ANYTIME! This is usually not a problem because they can be repaired quickly and easily. However, a breakdown can cause data loss. Data CANNOT be replaced quickly and easily. For this reason you must BACKUP the data on the computer every day.

Computers can be equipped with DVD RW drives that will quickly back the data to a DVD discs. Also USB sticks, external disk drives and other devices could be used. The most popular method is to backup to a Cloud service using a service like BBL's Titan backup service or many others. Off-site is the best backup, because a virus or store fire cannot damage the backed up data. The proper routine is to have a separate and complete backup file for each day of the week that you are open. Then, every day back-up to that day’s file overwriting the previous. Example: Monday backup to the Monday data, Tuesday to Tuesday ..etc. If using physical devices like DVD discs place the DVDs in a safe place like a fireproof safe or take them home.

If you don’t know how to get your backup set up, contact a computer consultant or computer store. It is imperative to have a backup!!!

Consider this: If you hard drive fails or a Virus attacks your computer, what would you do without a backup. The data is lost then you have no record of who paid you money, who still owes you money, what gowns you need to special order, what you have in inventory, etc. Most people experience a computer failure of some sort at one time or another. The difference between an inconvenience and a disaster is whether or not you have a good backup!

What to BACK-UP

The ProfitSystem® data to back up is in it's data folder. (you can see the data location by visiting the Help-> About -> system Info. This folder’s contents should be copied to media that can be stored in a safe place like a safe or taken off site.

It is a good idea to maintain multiple backups of the data. The media should be placed in a fireproof safe or taken off-site. A suggestion is to keep 7 days of data on 7 different media. Label the media Sunday thru Saturday. Each Monday overwrite the data on the Monday media, Tuesday on Tuesday media ..etc. That way you always have 7 opportunities to restore good data.

Our Tools

ProfitSystem® has a tool to help make the backup of data easier. Under the Header menu of the main switchboard under Tools there is a selection called Backup. This will auto copy the contents of the ProfitSystem data folder by creating a compressed ZIP file (default name BACKUP.ZIP) and place it in any folder selected and/or any removable device folder selected by the User.

This single file will contain all the data files that required by ProfitSystem®. It does not contain the program files as they can be easily reinstalled. The file should be copied to a DVD or Flash drive or Off-Site and placed in a fire proof safe.

BACKUP.ZIP is a ZIPPED file (ZIPPED is a termed used to describe files that have been compressed and stored together in a single file). Any zip program, like WinZip, is able to unzip/restore the files to their normal state and would be used to gain access to the data files within BACKUP.ZIP file. Backup.zip should be copied to another media like a CDRW, DVDRW o, Flashdrive, tape and other devices for safe keeping.

REMEMBER: Do not take chances with your shop’s precious customer and inventory information. Back up your system EVERY DAY!