Before applying an “update” (and, possibly, as part of a regularly scheduled backup operation) Syscob strongly recommends that a backup copy of the Export-It installation be made. Since an “update” operation includes, usually, a reformat of the database and, always, replacement of many files on multiple platforms any failure that prevents completion of an update could leave an unusable sytem. To avoid the chance that a power failure, network fault or system “crash” during an update destroys the application integrity all that is required is a “backup” before the “update” begins.
Because the Database "server" Folder contains both the shared database and a “master copy” of all the application's programs, libraries and resources a complete backup can be done by simply making a copy of that folder (and its contents). That is a quick, practical action because the disk space occupied by the Database "server" Folder is only on the close order of 100 megabytes.
There are many ways to perform a copy of the Database "server" Folder including Windows Server Backup (in Microsoft Management Console [MMC]), special utilities like Norton Ghost (and others) or standard Windows® utilities. The following three sets of instructions show how any user can do a “backup” of Export-It. These examples use "S:" as the drive letter for the Database "server" Drive. Substitute the actual drive letter for the site when performing any of these procedures:
Open Windows Explorer and browse to the root directory of the "server" drive letter (e.g. into the "S:\" folder). There you will see a folder named "ExportIt". Right-click on that folder and select "Copy" from the pop-up context menu. While still in the same location (e.g. "S:\") right click on any blank space in the Windows Explorer window and select "Paste" from the pop-up context menu.
The copy that is created may have the default name "Copy of ExportIt" (or something similar), but any name is acceptable. This backup copy need only exist until the “update” procedure is completed and the system is tested. Then it is of no further use and can be deleted.
Open the Command Prompt shortcut (usually found under "Accessories" in the Start button programs menu) or start "cmd.exe" (using "Run" in the Start button menu). In the "Command Prompt" window type (or copy and paste) the following command and then hit the [Enter] key:
xcopy S:\ExportIt S:\ExportIt(copy) /I /E /V /H /R /Y
That command will make a verified backup copy of the folder and its contents named "ExportIt(copy)" in the same drive's root directory.
Export-It includes the eProtect utility which is a “wizard” that leads the user through selecting a “vault” folder where the backups(s) are to be saved, selecting what is to be backed up and what names to be used (with defaults that identify the drive, its kind and the date). It will then produce archive(s), according to the selections, in the “vault” folder. Its advantages and disadvantages in comparison to other options are:
+ Will not produce a “bad” backup.
+ Extremely simple user interface.
+ Can backup Export-It and/or Export-It Plus.
+ Can backup both "local" and "server" drive folders.
+ Can do up to 4 folder backups in one operation.
+ Archives reduce disk use by 60% to 75%.
– “zip” compression is slower.
– Restore of backup is a manual extraction.
However, this is actually “overkill” when all that is required is a temporary copy of one folder and its contents. That means it is slower than other mechanisms for producing the needed backup of only the Database "server" Folder and the manual restore would also be slower. But, though meant for more sophisticated situations, it can also be used by following these instructions:
The eProtect wizard produces an archive file in ".zip" format. It has full “path” information and Windows Explorer (Windows XP, or later) will treat it like a folder. However, to restore from the archive will require extracting its contents to replace the “bad” Database "server" Folder contents.
