This version of our software has provided the ability to work in a multiuser mode. In this environment, the chance of one user doing something ‘Bad’ increases. To lessen the pain, the software provides a backup and recovery procedures. This tab also provides the administrator with the ability to create or synchronize replica databases. This tab is not available with the SQL Server version, as database backups must be performed through the Enterprise Manager and not our software.
At any time, you can direct the software to create a backup of the currently used database. Enter any database name (without the .mdb suffix) and click the ‘Backup DB’ button. The system needs exclusive use of the database, so if you are working on a replica database or the master database, all database connections on your machine will be temporarily deleted. All other users accessing the same database should log off of the application. After the backup, you will be reconnected. Any data that is not saved before the backup will be lost. This feature is also provided for use on Replica Databases ONLY in the Preferences screen so that users can use this feature without requiring access to all other administration functions.
There is also the ability so have an automatic backup every time YOUR computer logins into the database. Check the ‘Always Backup on Startup’ box and click the Set Backup button. This button will disable automatic database backups if it is clicked and the ‘Always Backup on Startup’ box is unchecked. This database backup file will have a timestamp in the name. Note: All database backups are placed into a "Backup" directory under the same directory that the backed up database resides.
You may find at times that due to replication errors or a lost or corrupt Master Database, that you may wish to make one of your Replicas the Master DB. Clicking this button will make the current database a Master Database. Note that Replicas of the prior Master Database cannot synchronize with the new Master DB. It is for this reason that you should be very cautious using this function and only do so when absolutely necessary. If you are having troubles with your Master DB, you should first contact Analyzer Support.
As you add, update and remove data from your application, the Microsoft Access will grow in size. When the database gets too big, it takes more time to move, backup and in general the application may run into slight performance problems. If your database is over 50mb it might be time to compact the database. Simply click the button and after answering yes to the warning message, the database will be compacted. It should reduce the size to approximately 50% but could be more or less depending on when the last compact occurred.
You can restore any backup database that you have made. Click the Browse button to locate the database you wish to restore (it will default initially to the Backup directory). The file name should appear on the screen. Click Restore DB to have the database selected replace the currently used database. Since the current database is overwritten, it is strongly recommended that you back it up first before restoring (although we do this for you anyway, placing a timestamped copy into the backup directory). After you have restored the database, all data in your system will reflect the data in the restored database. This feature is also provided for use on Replica Databases ONLY in the Preferences screen so that users can use this feature without requiring access to all other administration functions.
The other database administration feature available on this tab is the ability to replicate and synchronize databases. This feature is also provided on the Preferences screen so that users can use this feature without requiring access to all other administration functions. A group of computers sharing data will have a Master Database and Replica databases. All Replica Databases will usually be kept on each computer’s local drive, while the Master Database is kept on a LAN. Users, if connected to the LAN Master Database can create a replica database on their own computer. After the replica is created, the user will change the software to point to the new replica database, all changes are then saved locally and not on the Master Database. To update the Master Database with changes, click the synchronize button and all changes made to the Replica on a users computer will be replicated to the Master Database and all changes made to the Master will be Replicated back to the users machine.
If there are any conflicts, a conflict dialogue will be presented. See Database Conflict Resolution for more information.