ANSWER ID:11137

It is important to make regular backup files of your database - the more regular your backups, the less data you will lose in the event of there being a problem with your computer or database file.

This support note steps you through a simple backup and restore process.

Note: The descriptions and images in this support note are based on Windows XP but the process is the same regardless of your operating system.

How do I create a backup of my RetailManager Shopfront?

1. Go to the File menu and choose Backup.
   
2. Click OK to the message that appears.
   
   

3. You will then see a Save as . . . window. In this window you specify the name you want to give the backup file and the location where you want to save it.
   
   
   By default, RetailManager will give the file a name which represents the date on which the backup was created as shown.
   You can change the name of the backup file by overtyping the default name. You can also change the location where the backup is saved by selecting the appropriate drive or folder.

   
   
   
   

4. Click Save to create the backup.
   
   
   
   
5. When the backup process completes, click OK to the following message
   
   
6. To resume working in your shopfront, go to the File menu, click Open and double-click your Shopfront in the list.

How do I restore a RetailManager Shopfront?

1. Go to the File menu and choose Configuration.
   
2. Click Yes to the following prompt:
   
   
   The Shopfront Configuration window appears.
   
   
3. Click the Maintenance tab then click Restore.
   
   
   
4. The Select File to Restore window appears giving you the opportunity to select which backup file to restore.
   
   
   

5. Locate the the backup file, click it then click Open. You are then presented with three options:
   
   
   Option 1 - Create a new shopfront using restored data
   This process creates a new shopfront for you in a folder separate from your current shopfront. The new shopfront is automatically named using information from the name of the backup file. MYOB RetailManager will automatically connect to this new shopfront and enable you to open and check the data you have 'saved' in your backup file.
   We recommend that when restoring, you use this process first, as you can check the data in your shopfront to make sure that the backup file is the optimum one to replace the shopfront with which you are having problems.

   
   
   Option 2 - Restore your shopfront to a new folder
   This process lets you choose a folder to which you want to restore your shopfront database, but this process does not connect your restored shopfront. It is only recommended if you have a good knowledge of how MYOB RetailManager uses the database files that make up a shopfront.

   
   
   Option 3 - Restore your shopfront to its original folder automatically
   This process will restore your shopfront to its original folder, effectively overwriting and replacing your current problem shopfront. Use this process if you are certain that the backup file from which you are restoring is the latest clean version of your shopfront. We recommend that you first use the 'Create a new shopfront using restored data' process to make sure the shopfront you are restoring is the one you want to continue to use.

   
    

6. When Option 1 is selected and you click OK, the restore process begins. When it completes, a message similar to that shown below appears:
   

   
   When you click OK to this message, you are returned to the Shopfront Configuration window. Click the X button in the top right corner of the window to close it.

   
    

7. The Shopfront Selection window appears. You will now be able to select the shopfront you have just restored. Double-click the appropriate row to open the restored shopfront.