How to backup your data in V-Base

It's a good idea to backup the database regularly so you don't lose your data if anything goes wrong.

The most important file is the file containing the live data (see General Settings) the backup option in V-Base allows you to compress this file and save it to a pen drive or another type of disk.

We strongly recommend you create regular backups of your V-Base data on a weekly basis so if the worst happens you will have a recent backup of your database that you can recover.

The backup option can be found by going to Administration, and then to the “Backup and Restore” section and then choosing the “Backup database” option.

Next, decide where you want to save your backup. You can save it to a flash drive (this is inexpensive option as they can cost less than £10) or save it to your PC and later burn it to a CD. If you wish, you can change the filename (make sure you note it down) and then click on “Backup Now”.  Progress will be given and then there will be confirmation at the end.  It takes only seconds to complete.

Backup options

• “Automatically Include Today's Date in Filename”:  to help identify the last backup file, tick this option to add today's date automatically to the backup filename.

• “Also Send as Email”:  one way to physically move the backup file away from the computer and building is to include it as an email attachment and email it to a suitable safe location (friend or home). Don't worry, nobody will be able to read the file unless they know a logon user name and password and have a copy of V-Base. You are welcome to email a backup to V-Base technical support at support@v-base.org where a safe copy will be kept.

Understanding Zip Files

Zipping, not to be confused with a Zip drive, is a technique invented which compresses files and if necessary compress them across more than one floppy disk. V-Base will automatically compress, or zip, the data file when making a copy of it.

V-Base will also automatically unzip, or uncompress, the file if you need to restore, or recover, from a backup.

It's also possible to zip or unzip files using another program – the one recommended can be downloaded from Winzip.com