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Spectra can make a backup copy of your database for you. To make a backup of your database files, follow the steps below.
From the Spectra Utilities menu, choose Backup Data Files.
You will be prompted for the location to place the backup. Unless you're placing the backed up files onto a separate drive, like a zip drive, you should accept the default location. Click Backup. It is highly recommended that you copy these backup files to other media such as a tape drive, zip disk, or CD. You risk losing both sets of files by keeping them on the same hard drive.
Spectra will create a zipped file that contains the data files. If you ever need to restore a backed up copy of the data files, use the Database Utility found under the Start Menu > Program Files > Spectra 2011 > Utilities.
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ATTENTION!
Make sure that you back up your data files DAILY, either by using the Spectra backup utility or by using your own backup software! If your data files become corrupted beyond repair or if your hard drive crashes, you will lose all of your data unless you have a current backup. Spectra allows you to choose a location for your backup files. By default, Spectra specifies a backup subfolder on the same hard drive as your main database files. It might be advisable to back up to a different hard drive, an alternate computer through a network drive, a jump drive, or a CD. That way if one hard drive fails, you have your Spectra backup on a different computer. |
You can also back up your Spectra database by using the Database Utility.
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HERE'S A FLASH FOR YOU!
It is highly recommended that you compact your data files periodically, at least weekly. But why? Spectra stores its data in Microsoft® Access® data tables. Access builds its own internal temporary files. Running a compact rebuilds the data files and removes any temporary files. Not only will the data files be reduced in size, but performance can increase and data corruption can be prevented. |
To compact the Spectra database, follow the steps below.
From the Utilities menu, choose Compact Data Files.
A message will appear indicating that Spectra must close and, if you are compacting the network installation, all other users must exit the program.
Click OK. Spectra will close, the compact will complete, and then Spectra will reload.
You can also Compact and Repair your Spectra database by using the Database Utility.
