DATA SECURITY

Large amounts of valuable data can be built up in your Fast Estimate system and it is essential that regular backups are maintained. We recommend you back up a copy after each pricing session - it takes only a few moments.

*** Take a moment to consider the consequences of your PC becoming unusable (broken, stolen or incinerated!) after you have developed your libraries and priced 6 months of work!

Backing Up your data files

Fast Estimate is supplied with a dedicated Backup and Restore function (See File menu) that creates a single, compressed archive (.ZIP) file containing all the Fast Estimate data files (typically 10% of the size of the uncompressed data). These may be saved in any folder available to your PC (incl. network drives).

The Backup function places the archive file in the Fast Estimate/Backup folder by default. You can change the selected folder using the Browse button and if required, edit the archive file name before saving (not recommended in most cases).

The name of the backup file is made up of the date and time of the backup process so you can view them in chronological order. These are standard .ZIP files which can be opened using Windows if required.

Note: Most users will simply click the OK button to create a new, timed copy of the current data set that can be restored at any time.

You may want to store these files away from your PC (Tape, CD-ROM or other permanent medium). Use the Browse function to select the target drive/folder.

We recommend you take a backup copy of your data after EVERY work session and take an archive copy away from your PC at least once per week.

If running on a network, there should be no other Fast Estimate users on the system during the backup process.

IMPORTANT: Estek is happy to support your program but we cannot normally fix data corruption problems. There are many ways in which data can become corrupt - Power failure, electrical storms, hard disk problems, etc. Make sure that if the worst happens to you, you can minimise the impact - Backup often - it only takes a few moments - but can save you weeks of work!

Restoring data from an archive file

Restore performs the reverse function, restoring all your data files from a single archive file created using Backup.

You must select the archive file to be restored using the Browse function. By default this opens the Fast Estimate/Backup folder but you can restore from an archive file located anywhere on your system using the Browse button to select the folder holding the archive file.

Your current data files will be overwritten by the Restore process (Warnings are issued).