Click 'File', then 'Backup Data' to copy the data files onto removable media (USB stick, etc.).

•If you are willing to reenter a week's worth of data, backup once a week.

•If you are willing to reenter a month's worth of data, backup once a month.

•Then again, if you never backup...

Create Local Backup Only

•Classic and MICR Editions: The current data folder is compressed into a single file and backed up to the location you select.

•Professional Edition: Select to backup one or all data folders (in your 'last used list') to the location you select.

Create Local Backup and Encrypted Online Backup

•Classic and MICR Editions: In addition to the local backup, the data in the current data folder is encrypted, password protected, and stored online.

•Professional Edition: In addition to the local backup, the data you selected to backup is encrypted, password protected, and stored online.

Manage Online Backups

•If you have any encrypted online backups, the date and size of each backup is shown.

•If you use this option three times in a row, you will have the option to delete all of your online backups.

The following steps use a rotation of six backup sets

•Make a permanent backup at the end of each accounting year.

•Rotate two sets at the end of each month.

•Label one 'Odd Month' and the other 'Even Month'.

•Rotate four backups at the end of each week.

•Label them 'Week 1', 'Week 2', 'Week 3', and 'Week 4'.

•For a fifth week, reuse 'Week 4'.

•Consider storing a backup set off site to protect against theft, fire, etc.

•This could be a USB stick stored at home, or an online backup service.

To test your backup

•Click File, then click Add New Data Folder

•Create a new 'Client' named 'Backup Test'

•If you already have created the 'Backup Test' folder, click File, then click Change Data Folder and select the Backup Test folder.

•Confirm you are now in the 'Backup Test' folder

•Restore your data into the 'Backup Test' folder and review the data you have backed up

WARNINGS

•If you use an external backup software method, such as one of the online backup software companies, we cannot help make sure you are backing up correctly, nor can we help you restore your data.

•If you have a third party create a 'backup' for you, we cannot be sure what the third party did, nor can we help you undo it.

•Contact the third party and have them put your data back where it was.

•An example would be a computer repair person making a copy of your hard drive.

•If you choose to move or copy your files instead of using the built in backup and restore functions, we are unable to assist with the move or copy.

•If you install Medlin using the defaults, and do not move data files or folders manually, the following should work.

•Make a note of which folder you selected to install Medlin into.

•Open Medlin, then click the 'Help' tab.

•Set your backup software to backup all files in the installation folder, and all files and sub-folders 'of' the installation folder.

•To test or restore the backed up data, refer to the instructions provided by the backup software.

•If the above three items do not make sense to you, then we STRONGLY encourage you to use the built in backup and restore functions.

•Be sure to test your backups before you need them.

NOTES

•The Medlin backup function gathers all Medlin data from the current data folder (Payroll, Accounting, and Accounts Receivable), compresses the data into a single file (to save space), and saves the local backup file to a location you choose.

•The local backup file includes data folder's name, with the file extension of '.backup'.

MULTIPLE DATA FOLDERS

•Classic and MICR Editions: If you have multiple data folders, you will need to make a separate backup for each set of data.

•Professional Edition: The backup process can include all Medlin Software data folders found in your 'last used list'.

•Each data folder will still have a separate backup file, but you can backup all data folders with one command.

•A report is shown (which may be printed) after the backup is completed, listing the data folders which were backed up.