Overview

To protect you from data loss resulting from unforeseen circumstances, Formulate2 provides means for you to back up and restore your formulation data.

There are some things of which you should be aware with respect to backing up your data.

While, if your databases are small enough, you might be able to use floppy disks as the back up medium - we do not recommend it. Small, portable and very dependable, mass storage devices such as pen or jump drives will fit in your pocket, are very inexpensive and provide a much larger and more stable venue for your data.

Why Floppy Disks Are Not An Option

The back up protocol used by Formulate2 does not compress files and does not segment files across multiple disks so the capacity of back up medium must exceed the size of the largest file in the back up data set. The space required to back up your data depends upon several factors but the best general indicator is the number of ration records in your ration database(s).

Inexpensive USB drives are readily available, provide a very secure venue for your back ups and fit in your pocket for easy transport.

Backing Up Formulation Data

The back up data set includes ration and feed databases, all defined reports, any queries you've saved, nutrient lists and the query and database index listings.

To back up your data if you are viewing the feed or ration record form, open the Other menu and select "Maintenance & Registration".

From the Maintenance Utilities form shown below, open the Files menu and select "Back Up Data".

Next, select a back up to drive and click on OK.

Before the back up process is started, Formulate2 will check the capacity of the destination drive you've selected. If it is insufficient you will be notified and the back up operation terminated.

If disk capacity is sufficient, Formulate2 will then check for previous back up data.

If back up data already exists on the drive you've selected you will be notified with the date and time of the previous back up and asked to confirm the current back up operation.

If you wish to overwrite the older back up data click on OK and the back up operation will proceed.

You will be notified when the back up is complete. Click on Close to end the back up session.

Restoring Formulation Data From Back Ups

To restore your data if you are viewing the feed record form, open the Other menu and select "Maintenance & Registration".

From the Maintenance Utilities form shown below, open the Files menu and select "Restore Data".

Next, select a "restore from" drive and click on OK.

A message will appear asking you to confirm that you wish to replace your existing formulation data. It will show the date and time the back up data was created. If you wish to replace your existing data with back up data, click on OK.

Clicking on OK will start the restore operation.

You will be notified when the restore operation is completed. Click on Close to end the session.