are not familiar with running batch files in windows, please consider an alternative.

Create a new folder on your C:\ drive called dacBackup

Copy the following code into a new file called “dacBackup.cmd” and save it in the same folder:

:: First, I create a temporary directory to copy the data to.
md c:\dacBackup\DacEasy
:: Copy each of the individual modules from
:: their working directories to the temporary directory.
(xcopy C:\DacEasy\bc\profiles\DacEasyCompany1 C:\dacBackup\DacEasy\bc\profiles\DacEasyCompany1 /I /E /V /Y
xcopy C:\DacEasy\ac\DacEasyCompany1 C:\dacBackup\DacEasy\ac\DacEasyCompany1 /I /E /V /Y
xcopy C:\DacEasy\py\DacEasyCompany1 C:\dacBackup\DacEasy\py\DacEasyCompany1 /I /E /V /Y
xcopy C:\DacEasy\bc\profiles\DacEasyCompany2 C:\dacBackup\DacEasy\bc\profiles\DacEasyCompany2 /I /E /V /Y
xcopy C:\DacEasy\ac\DacEasyCompany2 C:\dacBackup\DacEasy\ac\DacEasyCompany2 /I /E /V /Y
xcopy C:\DacEasy\py\DacEasyCompany2 C:\dacBackup\DacEasy\py\DacEasyCompany2 /I /E /V /Y
) > C:\dacBackup\dacCopy.log
:: By enclosing the XCOPY commands in parenthesis, I
:: can create a single log file of every command within
:: the group. This logfile is created and saved as
:: “C:\dacBackup\dacCopy.log”
@echo off
:: Set Variables
set Today=%Date:~4,2%-%Date:~7,2%-%Date:~10,4%
set fileName=DacBackup
set dDay=%Date:~0,3%
set BackupFolder=C:\dacBackup
set BackupFile=%BackupFolder%\%fileName%(%dDay%)Full.bkf
set JobName=%Today% DacEasy Backup
set Description=DacEasy Backup %Today%
:: Back up Files and Shares
C:\windows\system32\ntbackup.exe backup “C:\dacBackup\DacEasy” /n “DacEasy Backup %Today%” /d “%Description%” /v:yes /r:no /rs:no /hc:off /m normal /j “%JobName%” /f “%BackupFile%”
:: Removes temporary directory
rd /S /Q c:\dacBackup\DacEasy

If you have trouble trying to copy and paste the code above, I have also provided the script for download in 2 different compressed file formats (ZIP and RAR):

Download

Download

If you choose to download one of the compressed files, you will have to extract and decompress the file. Windows XP should be able to open ZIP files natively. If you still have trouble extracting the file, you can get a free evaluation of Winzip from their website

Don’t forget to modify the XCOPY commands to point to your actual DacEasy directories.

Once you have finished modifying the “dacBackup.cmd” file, you can try it out by double-clicking on it.

If it worked, you will notice a new file inside the dacBackup folder which contains a backup of your DacEasy data folders.

« Part 2 – Choosing what DacEasy files to backup

Part 4 – Automating your backup script »

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13ghz (1066mhz FSB)
• Memory: OCZ 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 (PC2-8500z 5-5-5-15 1066MHZ nVidia Sli Certified 240-PIN) w/Heat Spreader
• Hard Drive: 160 GB SATA2 (NCQ)
• CD/DVD Burner (CD-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW)
• Case with 450watt Power Supply
• Logitech UltraX Media Keyboard
• Microsoft Mouse Comfort 1000 Optical (USB)
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64
• Microsoft Office 2003 Professional
• Other Features:
  • Supports Intel Core 2 Duo / Pentium D Processor
  • Intel Graphic Media Accelerator950
  • Optimized Gigabit LAN connectivity
  • 8-channel Intel High Definition Audio
  • Integrated new generation SATA 3Gb/s interface:
    • 4 SATA2 (3 free ports)
    • 1 IDE port (2 connectors – 1 free)
  • Available Expansion Slots:
    • 1xPCI-E (X16)
    • 3xPCI
    • USB 2.0

The default installation directory for DacEasy is:
C:\DacEasy\

Each module that you use in DacEasy should be located in it’s own folder by default.

Default Module Locations:
Company Profile – C:\DacEasy\bc\profiles\
Accounting – C:\DacEasy\ac\
Payroll – C:\DacEasy\py\
Job Costing – C:\DacEasy\jc\
Order Entry – C:\DacEasy\oe\
Point of Sale – C:\DacEasy\ps\

If you need help finding where you installed the modules for your Company Data, check out “How To Find DacEasy Module Folder Paths”

If you are using the default folders, you should be able to find individual company modules within each of the default folders by adding the name of the company profile to the end of each module path.

For example, I am going to backup 2 sample businesses called “DacEasyCompany1” and “DacEasyCompany2.” Each of those companies use a Company Profile, the Accounting Module and the Payroll Module

Paths to my sample company modules:
C:\DacEasy\bc\profiles\DacEasyCompany1\
C:\DacEasy\ac\DacEasyCompany1\
C:\DacEasy\py\DacEasyCompany1\
C:\DacEasy\bc\profiles\DacEasyCompany2\
C:\DacEasy\ac\DacEasyCompany2\
C:\DacEasy\py\DacEasyCompany2\

« Part 1 – Need a Quicker way to backup DacEasy Data?

Part 3 – “Backup DacEasy using a Windows Batch file»

The good thing about DacEasy is that you don’t have to buy some complicated backup system that costs thousands of dollars. It already comes with a backup utility installed. The bad thing is it doesn’t work very well. You can set backup schedules but I have found it much quicker to do it manually. Also, if you have ever done the backup manually, you know how time consuming this can be; especially if you are doing it once a week or even worse, once a day.

Did you know that you can basically copy all of the data files from your DacEasy machine to another computer that is running DacEasy and it would work? Once I knew that I could copy the files, I decided to make a script runs backup consistently and completely automatic.

This guide will help you setup the backup of your data in DacEasy for multiple companies that will run automatically; without the need to go out and buy an expensive backup program.

• This has only been tested on systems running DacEasy 13 with Windows XP/2003
• Make sure you have the sufficient folder access rights to the DacEasy installation folder
• You also need the ability to create “Scheduled Tasks” and run “ntbackup“
• Basic knowledge of how to use Windows batch files is recommended

Part 2 – Choosing what DacEasy files to backup »

1. Click Profile
   
2. Click Edit
   
3. Click Company Information
   
4. Click Paths
   

You should be able to see the DacEasy Module Folder Paths for your company. This is a screen shot of the DacEasy Module Folder Paths for the Sample Profile:

Any problems that you may have or even something you don’t fully understand.

If you were ever scared to ask your IT administrator something because you didn’t know if you were using the right terminology, I might be able to help you out. There is no such thing as a stupid question.

You will never know if you don’t ask, so go ahead, ask me something and I will do my best to answer your questions.

I used to always compete with a neighbor (actually 2 neighbors), about who had the faster computer. Of course, at the time, it really depended on who had the parent with more money. But we never thought of it that way. Honestly, we thought that we were competing 1 on 1 on 1 with each other where we all had an even slate. Of course, after a while, 1 of us so-called geeks fell out of the race. But we didn’t realize until years had passed that the only geeks that we were competing with, were ourselves. Anyways, back to the story…

I can imagine that most geeks had some sort of competition as they grew up. To us, it was sort of a superiority complex that we all had to get over. If you have yet to get over it, then I feel sorry for you and your lack of friends.

As for my “super computer” here are the stats… (Don’t laugh)…

• AMD Athlon XP 2100+ (1.7ghz)
• PC3200 2GB DDR RAM (2x 1gb Dual Channel)
• 160gb HD (2 80GB SATA150 on RAID 0-striped)
• ASUS A7N8X Deluxe Mobo
• Windows 2k3 Server

You should already get the picture. Now here’s the thing, my computer was running fine up until about Feb 2007. Then, all of a sudden, everything started to go haywire. There really wasn’t anything that could explain it. Maybe time was up for my computer or maybe it had a lot to do with Microsoft. Now, me being the paranoid conspiracy theorist that I am, I choose Microsoft. I think Intel and Microsoft had devised a plan to make sure that everyone had to go and upgrade to the latest and greatest systems right about then. They expected everyone to upgrade around this time considering Vista just came out,and Longhorn was about to be released.

Luckily, my 4-5 year old system was just a test system. Even though it couldn’t keep up, it really didn’t matter. Yeah, I know I can go ahead and install Windows XP and it would run fine for another 2-3 or more years. But it is old and needs to be replaced. It should have been replaced 2 and a half years ago (if not more). Here is where my dilemma begins.

If I am to move on to the next big technology, 64-bit computing, virtual machines, etc., I still need someone who can watch my back and cover all of the previous technology. Otherwise, I cannot let myself be completely engorged with the new information without being held back by something from the past. I need someone competent, who can take care of things while I am venturing into new territories. Yeah, I am over exaggerating a LOT (especially considering, the fact that we are already running virtual machines on 64-bit servers). But then again, this is just a story that I am writing for the fellow geeks out there who understand where I am coming from.

Geek facts: Do you remember the most memorable quote of all time that doesn’t exist by Bill Gates? “640K ought to be enough for anybody.”

Alas, to no avail. I just keep getting errors not being able to start Spiceworks. I have a feeling it is a service that isn’t set to run automatically. But I guess I am just not in the troubleshooting mood today. Anyways, I am sending the e-mail through the Spiceworks Uninstaller Feedback form to see how quickly they will respond. I will keep you updated. In the meantime, if you think you can help me get Spiceworks up and running, Let me know! Maybe you can help me figure out this annoying problem I am having.

Also, if you know of any other IT management systems that are reasonably priced, that would help too. I am currently evaluating a new system to be implemented very soon. So any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Till next time!