13.5. Disk Utility Menu

13.5.1. Backup Current Company Data

This option is used to backup the information for the company that is currently selected. Before starting a back-up, make sure you have the approximate number of formatted disks available as it is not possible to format a floppy disk in the middle of a backup.

You can format disks within Equity from the Utility Menu. Refer to Format a Disk in this section for more information on formatting floppy disks.

Note: With some DOS versions 3.3 or higher automatic formatting during back-up may be available.

You will be asked to confirm that you want to backup the data and will then be prompted to insert formatted floppy disks into drive A until all data has been copied. Make sure you label each back-up disk with the date and disk number. This is very important as you need to insert the backups in numerical order when restoring the data. After the back-up has been completed the menu will be re-displayed.

Note : Back-ups are not infallible and floppy disks can fail when you try to restore from them in your time of need. Try to back-up on a regular basis and have at least two sets of back-up disks so that if one restore fails you have a second, older set to restore from. Also make sure you back-up onto quality DSDD floppy disks and that you buy new floppys for your back-ups every six months or so.

13.5.2. Restore Current Company Data

This option is used to restore the information for the company that is currently selected.

BEFORE restoring anything do a back-up onto another set of disks. This ensures that if something goes wrong with the restore process, such as a corrupted floppy disk, you have at least one more set of back-ups as a stand-by.

You will be asked to confirm that you want to restore the data and will then be prompted to insert the backup disks in numerical order into drive A. When the restore is completed the menu will be re-displayed.

13.5.3. Format a disk

This option allows you to format a floppy disk in drive A. All disks used in a back-up have to be formatted first, and it is most frustrating to find an unformatted disk near the end of a back-up as this means re-doing the whole backup (after formatting the $&%!$$ thing.)

Note: We advise that all new or unknown disks be formatted before starting a back-up.

13.5.4. Data File Scanning Utility

This facility has been provided for use during telephone support.

13.5.5. Data File Sorting Utility

This facility has been provided for use during telephone support.