The Backup / Restore option will backup your data onto disk or your hard drive, or other selected location in a tcBackup.zip file. This option will to compress or zip the size of files contained in the backup file. 

The following options to create backup files, are available:

  1. Normal backup - All the files contained in the folder of the Set of Books, including images, pdf files (added with plugins such as the multimedia plugin, etc.) will be included in the backup file. 
  2. Small backup (books) - Only one file, the database (e.g. books.fdb - for the firebird database), will be included in the backup. All other files will be excluded from the backup. 

Backup files are used to Restore a Set of Books to the set of data from which the Backup file was created. Backups are copies of your data that you make on a regular basis. 

You will need backups:

  • In case of file corruption, hardware failures and other errors. 
  • Send backup files via e-mail

As a general rule, it is good practice to back up often, preferably upon closing the program. Backing up can be to CD-ROM, USB-Drive, etc. Backing up to your hard disk is also a good practice but the best backup is not stored on your computer. (In case of a hard drive failure!!) 

It is also recommended that you complete a BACKUP in the following instances:

  • Prior to performing any major processes, such as Delete Set of Books on the Start ribbon and Global processes (Clear / Reset, Do year end, Reverse posted batches / documents) on the Tools ribbon. 
  • Old data on your previous version of osFinancials or other accounting package prior to conversion to osFinancials. 
  • On a regular basis: Depending on your need and volume of work. The following minimum is recommended: 
  • 2 - 3 sets daily re-used weekly or every 3rd to 4th day.
  • 2 weekly sets - re-used every 3rd week. 
  • 12 Monthly sets - done at the end of each month, and re-used each year. 
  • 1 set prior to year-end and kept permanent. 

The very same backup disks or backup files on your hard drive are used to restore your data in your Set of Books. If you do not make regular backups, you may have to re-enter thousands of transactions and general ledger, debtor, creditor and stock information.

To create a Backup file:

  1. On the Start ribbon, select Backup / Restore. If a Set of Books is open on your system, TurboCASH will automatically close the Set of Books and the Backup Set of Books screen is displayed:

  1. Select the Backup option, if not already selected. 

If no Set of Books are opened, the Restore button is automatically selected. 

If a Set of Books are opened, the Backup button is automatically selected. 
  1. Select the Name of the Set of Books you wish to Backup. 
  2. You may over type the Backup file name with a name of your own. 

The date and time of your operating system is automatically inserted in the file name (e.g. MY-BOOKS202203211117.zip) after the default file name.

(In this example, the date and time format is YYYYMMDD followed by the Hour and Minutes). The format may differ if your operating system's short date style or format is set different). 
  1. Select the folder (drive, etc.) to Backup to. 
  2. If you need to create a small backup, tick the "Small backup (books)" option.  

If you wish to e-mail the backup, you may select the "Small backup (books)" option to create a backup of your Set of Books database in a single file only (e.g. books.fdb - for the firebird database). 

If this option is selected, no images or other files linked to your Set of Books will not be included in your backup. This will reduce the size of your backup file. 
  1. Click on the Backup button to start the backup process. While the Backup process is running, the files are backed up from and added on your backup disk or location on your hard drive or network drive will be displayed. When the backup process is completed, an information screen will be displayed. 

The Backup process is completed!

The information in the Backup process will be displayed, for example:

Starting backup...
   100%
12 Files compressed
Backup completed...

  1. Click on the OK button and click on the Close button on the Backup Set of Books screen. You may also press the Esc key on your keyboard to exit the Backup Set of Books screen.