>> 5.9 Shop Management Updates Here

[Gary R]

Hello to all,

I am not sure if I am posting this in the correct category, but here is my question. I am currently having problems with my zip drive used for backing up my Mitchell data, and in preparation for moving to version 6, I thought I would start using flash drives. The hardware requirements list includes a note that the flash drives need to be configured with a logical drive letter. I currently use 5 different zip discs (Monday thru Friday) for backing up so if there is a glitch in the back-up process, I can still go back one day and have a good back-up minus one day. This way I do not destroy Tuesday's copy while making Wednesday's back-up. I have not been able to find a way to configure more than one flash drive to a particular drive letter. I have concerns about writing over the most recent back-up while making the current one. I guess that I could make several back-ups on the same drive if I get one large enough, but if the drive fails, I am still without a good back-up. Have any of the Beta Shops figured this out yet?

Thanks,
Gary Radtke
Service Manager
Clavey Auto Service

[ricmorin]

Gary,

Not to worry. The backup strategy built into Manager automatically stores the last 5 backup sessions. So on one thumb drive you'll have the last 5 attempts. Then it over-writes the oldest if I'm not mistaken. So there is really no need to configure flash drives with different letters. If you want to use more than one flash, no problem. Just plug it in and go.

[Rich]

We use multiple flash drives, they are cheap. Write on them Monday, tuesday.......
The drive is always the same letter, it's just writing to a different flash drive. Plug it in, back it up, shut off that drive, pull flash drive, put in pocket, go home.

Can't wait for off site back ups to work again.

[ricmorin]

Yup. Just remember that by using more than one flash drive, you may not have concurrent backups on it. There are different strategies you can use. I say you can't have too many. My SA backs up to her flash from her computer when she leaves. I back up from my laptop or desktop with my flash drive when I leave. We each have 5 concurrent backups on our devices. Is that important? I'm not sure, depends.

[timbre4]

The backups are named D1.zip (Sunday) thru D7.zip (Saturday) so it takes a week before the same filename would cause a potential overwrite.

[ricmorin]

Thanks Tim! I wasn't aware of the day-of-the-week association. That would also explain why I have no D1 or D7 and never have. (closed on the weekends)

[Gary R]

Thanks to all of you for your quick responses. I am off to buy a few flash drives and dump the old zip drive. It is great that this forum not only alllows the sharing of knowledge, but that there are people taking valuable time out of their day to share with others. If only this was the rule rather than the exception.

Thanks to All
Gary

[timbre4]

Glad to help, thanks to great regular members who do contribute, the rapid response *is* closer to the rule over here!

[Rich]

Due to an "issue" I happen to keep a copy of my data base in California. They labeled it "those guys' mess". I'm sure they pull it up for training!

Glad to learn about the one drive/5 days thing. Makes it easier on my end.

The things you learn in the forum are priceless.

[cbhale]

The flash drives are a great way to accomplish backups. We use several flash drives but wait for 5 backups before switching to another flash drive. I have been working with and on computers and all the accessories for a long time, so I am very familiar with failure rates of these items.

So over and above the flash drives I backup off-site using http://www.carbonite.com for 55 bucks a year unlimited. I also due hourly backups on one or more of the other computers on the network using DOS level commands and Windows Scheduler.

That way I have an option to backup to the last hour instead of the day before, makes a little less work punching in tickets again!

If you ever want to do yourself a favor, BACKUP are a must..

Good Luck...

[timbre4]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for your comments!

There's no such thing as too much backup; you have gained additional options for a modest fee.

[cbhale]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for your comments!

There's no such thing as too much backup; you have gained additional options for a modest fee.

Thanks for the friendly welcome, I have been cruising the forums every once in awhile to check things out! I have noticed over the past months that the forums are really picking up speed and has some really good information compared to a year or so ago.

The information is good and I will find some time out of my busy schedule to check back often, keep up the good work all..

Have a nice day!

White's Auto Repair
Mesa, Arizona

[mars]

I use the flash drives daily for backup, and on saturday update my backup computer at the house with the latest. We do the same with my wifes office program, if we have a problem with either shop computer, the one from home will fill in. I also use Casper to clone our hard drives to a stand alone hard drive monthly.

When,(not if) one of the machines fail, we retrieve the computer from home, and back up the latest,(yesterdays) flash info, and we have lost nothing. After replacing the drive,(or whatever caused the computer to quit), reclone the drive from your backup hard drive, and use the flash for up to date data. All of your programs are intact, and you have lost nothing. (I have done this more than once, next time, I'm replacing the 6+ year old computer that I'm using, IDE drives are getting scarce). Also I may get another internal drive for the repair info for the backup machine, as it's a pain swapping discs when you're working.

[timbre4]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your experience with backup plans!