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.)

1. First, everybody (all users) must be out of the program.

2. Go to Start -> Programs -> Helper Series 2001 -> Database Manager.

3. Under "Please enter the path and filename..." click the box with two dots to the right of the field (Browse). Browse to select a location where you want to save this new file, name the file, and put ".zip" at the end of the filename.

4. In the Backup/Restore tab, make sure that the database location is correct; this location is usually C:\Program Files\Helper Series 2001\helper.mdb.

5. Click Backup. The program displays a progress bar in green, and may take a few minutes to run.

6. 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.

7. You are now done with your backup.

Restoring Your Data
N.B.: ONLY use this utility to restore to the database's default location. If you need to Restore to another location on your computer, call us at (513) 793-4357 or email us.

1. Go into Database Manager again, and the Backup tab will appear.

2. Change the button from Backup Files to Restore Files. Select the path and filename of the backup file you created. Make sure that the Database (Path) is correct.

3. 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.

4. When the program has finished the task, it will show you “Restoral completed successfully.” Click OK, then close the program.

Helpful Hints
»»  While you’re in the Database Manager, you can Compact and Repair your database. Using this tool will help ensure the health and stability of your database, and we recommend that you use it. From the Database Manager screen, select the "Database Operations" tab and click Compress/Repair. The program will tell you when the process is successfully completed by saying "Compression complete."

»»  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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