Built-In Backup
Big Business Server now includes built-in Backup. This feature allows you to set a schedule to automatically back up your Data File without shutting down Big Business Server.
The Solution provides a brief introduction. (6079)
For best results:
• Set up Backup after hours
• Carefully apply the recommended settings
• Plan to leave Big Business Server running so it can back up
• Ensure all Clients disconnect before Backup runs
• Check periodically that backups are successful
Backup: Getting Started
Big Business Server now includes built-in Backup. This feature allows you to set a schedule to automatically back up your Data File without shutting down Big Business Server.
The Solution provides instructions for getting started with the built-in Backup in Big Business Server. (6080)
To Set Up Backup:
1. From the File menu choose Backup
2. Click Preferences and complete the entries for:
• Configuration - check only Data File and choose a Destination Folder
• Scheduler - choose a time when no one is connected
• Backup - click Cancel After 5 Attempts
• Restore - do not check Restore
3. Click OK to Save the Preferences
4. Click Backup to commence backing up
Backup: Cancelling the Backup In Progess
The error, "Waiting for all transactions and indexing to complete." indicates that Backup is trying to run, but waiting for Users who have open windows to save their work. While this error is displayed Users who open a new window are blocked from loading data and get a blank window.
The Solution provides instructions for cancelling a backup that is in progress. (6081)
"Waiting for all transactions and indexing to complete."
While this error is displayed, Users who open a new window are blocked from loading data and get a blank window. You may want to cancel the Backup in progress without disconnecting all Users.
To Cancel the Backup in progress:
1. From the File menu choose Backup
2. On the Backup dialog click the Backup button
The button changes to Stop
3. On the Backup dialog click the Stop button
The Server Process Window will then display the red error message: "1406 Backup canceled by user," and resume normal operation.
Backup: Preferences: Configuration
In the Backup Preferences for Configuration are various options for backing up your Data File, parts of the program, designated files and folders, and creating a Log File.
This Solution provides instructions for choosing the appropriate settings for the built-in Backup in Big Business Server. (6082)
Use these settings:
• Click the checkbox to back up your Data File only. It is not necessary to back up other Big Business files that can be replaced by reinstalling.
• Choose a Destination Folder that is convenient, has plenty of free space, and/or is included in a system backup.
• Do not check the box for a Log File
Backup: Preferences: Scheduler
In the Backup Preferences for Scheduler are various options for backing up hourly, daily, or on designated days of the week.
This Solution provides instructions for choosing the appropriate settings for the built-in Backup in Big Business Server. (6083)
For Backup to run successfully, all Users must close all open windows, or preferably disconnect, to ensure there are no open transactions. In other words, Backup will not work during normal operations; it should be scheduled to run after hours.
The best setting, often, is to have it run each night at midnight (0:00:00) or shortly thereafter (2:00:00) when you don't expect Users will still be connected.
Backup: Preferences: Backup
In the Backup Preferences for Backup are various options for deleting old backups, making repeated attempts, aboring, and cancelling.
This Solution provides instructions for choosing the appropriate settings for the built-in Backup in Big Business Server. (6084)
In addition to the default settings, you should check the box to:
Cancel the operation after 5 attempts.
If any Client remains connected, with an open transaction, the Backup will not commence. Your settings should allow the Backup to Cancel after a reasonable number of attempts.
Keep only the last 3 backup files, protects you from running out of disk space
Backup only if the data file has been modified, won't make redundant copies on the weekend
Delete the oldest backup file [after] backup, is safer than before
If active transactions or index operations, Abort or you may wait into the next business day and block users from working.
If backup fails, and you Retry after [1] Minutes be sure to
Cancel the operation after [5] attempts.
Archive options are unnecessary if your file is less than 2GB.
Backup: Preferences: Restore
In the Backup Preferences for Restore are options for Automatic Restore. These options should be disabled and any Restore operation performed manually.
This Solution provides instructions for choosing the appropriate settings for the built-in Backup in Big Business Server. (6085)
Use the default setting which leaves unchecked:
Restore last backup if database is damaged
Backup: Auto-Disconnect
When Backup runs, Big Business Server automatically disconnects Users who have left their Client connected.
This Solution provides instructions for using this feature. (6087)
Before Clients are automatically disconnected, the pictured dialog appears on Big Business Server and all connected Big Business Clients.
If any User clicks the Cancel button, automatic disconnection of Clients is cancelled. Depending on Backup settings, Backup may wait a few minutes and try again.
Backup: Restoring a Backup
Big Business Server makes it easy to revert to a backup file when needed. Launch Server and hold the Option key (on the Mac, or the Alt key on the PC) and in the file dialog choose to show All Files and select a backup file to restore.
This Solution provides instructions for Restoring a backup using the built-in Backup in Big Business Server. (6086)
To Restore a Backup File:
1. Quit Big Business Server if running
2. Start Big Business Server and quickly hold down the Option key
3. In the Open dialog change Enable to look for All Files
4. Select a Backup File from your backup folder
Backup files' names are the name of the Data File followed by the backup number in brackets and the exension, .4BK, as in the picture. Use Find File to search for files whose Name Contains .4BK, if needed.
5. Choose a destination folder for the restored Data File
Create or choose a folder other than the folder containing your original Data File or it will be replaced.
6. Click Restore
7. Click OK on the confirmation dialog that the file was restored.
Big Business Server will automatically Quit and open the folder with the restored file.
8. Start Big Business Server and quickly hold down the Option key
9. In the Open dialog choose the restored file and click Open
10. On the Server Process Window check that the Data File entry show your restored Data File.