Backing up your Database

Spectra can make a backup copy of your database for you. To make a backup of your database files, follow the steps below.

1. From the Spectra Utilities menu, choose Backup Data Files.

2. 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.

3. Spectra will create a zipped file that contains the data files. If you ever need to restore a backup, use the Database Utility found under the Start Menu > Program Files > Spectra 20xx > Utilities. See also: Database Utility

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 asks you to choose a location for your backup files. By default, Spectra specifies a backup sub-folder 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. See also: Database Backup Best Practices

You can also back up your Spectra database with the Database Utility and/or schedule automatic backups with the Control Center. See also: Database Utility and Control Center

Compacting your Database

HERE'S A FLASH FOR YOU! We highly recommend compacting your data files regularly, at least once a week. 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 should increase and data corruption can be prevented.

To compact your Spectra database, follow the steps below.

1. From the Utilities menu, choose Compact Data Files.

2. A message will appear indicating that Spectra must close and, if you are compacting the network installation, all other users must exit the program.

3. Click OK. Spectra will close and the compact process will run. Spectra will relaunch when finished.

You can also Compact and Repair your Spectra database with the Database Utility and/or schedule automatic compacts with the Control Center. See also: Database Utility and Control Center