Copyright: Copyright (C) 1995-1998 Leanware Development


Introduction

You will find Backer extremely helpful with all tasks related to files and directories on your computer(s).

Backer keeps all your computers and disks up to date. Use Backer to synchronize, update, backup and archive your files among different computers or drives.

Backer works with your valuable data. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with its operation before attempting more ambitious tasks with it. Use Backer only with non-crucial data in the beginning.

Backer runs under Windows 95 and NT 4.0. No special hardware or software is required.

 Skip the explanations and go to Quick Start

Using this Online Help

The Contents button shows the table of contents for quick orientation. Index lets you search for a key word. You can also leaf through each of the 8 main chapters with the buttons >> und <<.

The complete text of this online help is available to you in the file Backer40.doc. The WordPad supplied with Windows can read this format, as well as any modern word processor.

Please press >> to continue.


Purpose

Backer 4.0 is a program to

•	synchronize,

•	transfer,

•	backup and

•	archive

your directories and files by

•	media like Zip, Jaz and CD-R(W),

•	network,

•	another hard disk,

•	cable (parallel or serial),

•	infrared or

•	floppy disk.

Backer keeps all your computers and disks up to date.

With Backer you can:

•	synchronize your notebook before you travel and your desktop PC afterwards;

•	synchronize files within a work team;

•	transfer files between your office and your home;

•	on the road, synchronize your notebook with the company network by modem;

•	backup your day's or week's work;

•	keep current copies of system files on disk;

•	and many things more, as you'll discover.

Features

•	uses file creation / modification dates to compare

•	fast access to stored configurations

•	unattended operation with log of all actions

•	can process unlimited quantities of data

•	writes standard MS-DOS files - readable on virtually any computer in the world without special software

Backer is indispensable for...

•	everyone who works on more than one computer;

•	those who do not want the cost and hassle of commercial programs just to backup 20 files a week;

•	road warriors;

•	network administrators who want a simple yet powerful backup tool on everybody's PC;

•	everyone who would suffer economic damage by data loss.


Installation

Backer runs on any computer that runs Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0. For installation start Setup.exe.

Hint

If existing, deinstall an earlier version of Backer 4 before installing this version, or choose a different directory for the new installation. The setup program will not overwrite existing files.

Backer 4.0 consists of:

•	Backer40.exe 	executable file

•	Backer40.dll 	accompanying library

•	Backer40.hlp 	Online help

•	Backer40.cnt 	contents of online help

•	Backer40.doc 	manual in Word 2.0 format

•	Learn.exe 	self-extracting archive with test files

•	TmpBak.bac 	workfile for Example 8

At least Backer40.exe and Backer40.dll are required for operation.


Deinstallation

Backer can be deinstalled through the Control Panel, icon Add/Remove Programs.

In the chosen installation directory the file Backer40.ini remains. Remove this file and the directory.


Before You Get Started

•	For optimal use knowledge of some basic terms is required.

•	Program control relies mainly on the right mouse button.

•	If you want to synchronize two computers it suffices to run Backer on only one computer. This is true for anything you do with Backer.

•	The included archive Learn.exe contains test files to demonstrate the various features of Backer.

 Skip the explanations and go to Quick Start


How Backer Works

Backer compares file pairs, i.e. files with the same name, but in different locations. One location is called the Source, the other the Destination. "Location" here means any drive and directory that your computer can access, be it locally or over a network. Comparison is done by the date-time stamp.

A comparison can lead to 5 different results:

•	The file in the Source has the same age as the one in the Destination.

•	The file in the Source is newer than the one in the Destination.

•	The file in the Source is older than the one in the Destination.

•	A file exists in the Source but not in the Destination.

•	A file exists in the Destination but not in the Source.

In the first case Backer has nothing to do. In the second and third case the newer file is copied over the older one. In the fourth and fifth case, the so-called Orphans, the missing file is added to the other side.


The Date-Time Stamp

Backer compares two different versions of a file by the date-time stamp. This stamp is updated to the present date and the present time each time a file is modified.

The date-time stamp of a file is modified only if you, the user, demand this by giving your application a save command for a new or revised document. It remains untouched when copying or moving it. You see: It is you, not the computer, who affects a file's date-time stamp. This makes it a very reliable criterion of newer file versions.

A non-existing version of a file is considered "infinitely old" in this sense.

Warning

If the clock in one of your computers is inoperative, the stamp is incorrect. Do not use Backer on computers with inoperative clocks.


Typical Uses

The capability to compare date-time stamps allows a variety of uses:

•	You can synchronize data on two computers, that is bring them to the same state. The newer version replaces the older one, and files not present on one machine are added. Synchronizing can work in only one direction or in both. This is useful e.g. between a notebook and a desktop PC or among network computers. If the computers are not connected directly files can be transferred with the help of a floppy disk.

•	You can backup important files in case they accidentally get deleted from your hard disk or it refuses to work. You can have individual configurations for different projects or applications to divide data volumes down so that each fits on a single 1.44 MB floppy or Zip disk.

•	If data loss really has occured you can restore your files.

•	And last but not least Backer can copy smarter than Explorer or remove unnecessary files from your hard disk.

You can configure Backer for any need and store this configuration so that you can get started at once the next time.


Files, Directories, Drives, Paths, Folders

Your computer needs an organisational concept to permanently store and load data. You should be proficient with this concept to get the most out of Backer.

Files

are, from a user's point of view, the basic storage element on a drive. If you write a letter in your word processor and save it to disk, Windows creates a file. Images, applications, spreadsheets, sounds, videos and so on are all examples for files. There is the possibility to bundle several of these together into a single new file, often called an archive (this capability is not included in Windows itself).

A file has a file name and a file name extension, often also called type. One is separated from the other by a period. Example: Letter to Smith.doc.

Directories

put files together in groups. Windows allows hierarchical directories, i.e. you can set up subdirectories and thus build a directory tree. This helps organization considerably. The best Example is the Windows directory that in turn contains various subdirectories. Everything Windows needs to function is gathered there.

Like files directories can have a type but mostly have not. Backer adds, other than Windows itself, an extra backslash to the end of a directory, for visual distinction: Test\ is a directory, Test is a file.

Directories and subdirectories are lined up one after the other, separated by a backslash, to build paths. Example: \Windows\System\.

Drives

are anything that hides behind a letter with trailing colon. Typical examples are A: for the first floppy disk drive, B: for the second, C: for the hard disk drive, D: for a CD-ROM drive or a second hard disk drive. Basically anything from D: can be allocated freely to network drives, CD-ROM drives, removable media drives, Direct Cable Connections etc. It is the task of Windows to administer all this.

Besides, drives can be addressed by UNC names: \\Server\Sharename. UNC names start with a double backslash, followed by the server name and the name under which a directory is shared. A directory that is shared this way need not be a whole drive but is treated as such by Windows and Backer.

Each drive contains at least 1 directory: \, the so-called root directory.

Paths

tell the unambiguous way along which a file can be found on the computer. A path consists of a drive specification with lined-up directory names.

In practice the terms path and directory are differentiated less strictly.

Folders

Windows names directories folders. Strictly speaking, folder is a more general term than directory, since it cannot only contain files but also any other objects. An Example are the folders for fonts or printers.

Backer also uses folders in a more general sense: A folder put all files into one group that have the same sorting value.

Example

In C:\Test\Backer\Backer40.hlp...

•	the path is C:\Test\Backer\,

•	the file name is Backer40,

•	the type is .hlp,

•	the drive is C:,

•	the directory is \Test\Backer\.

\\Server\Accounting\Test\Backer\Backer40.hlp matches in directory, file name and type but has a different path due to the drive \\Server1\Accounting.

Annotation for experts: \\Server\Accounting and C: might represent the same physical drive. Such configurations should be avoided in practice, however.


Connecting To Computers And Drives

Windows 95 and NT 4.0 offer numerous ways to connect computers and drives to each other: Networks, drivers for add-on drives like Zip, Jaz or CD-R(W), the Direct Cable Connection, phone lines. The user is shielded from technical details to insure the most uniform appearance of all drives possible.

To put it another way: Windows shows you all available mass storage devices through drive letters (A: to Z:). What they stand for physically (a floppy disk, a hard disk or a CD-ROM, in your own or in another machine) and how you are connected to them physically does not matter - you only want access to their files and directories.

Backer uses this simplification also. It can use any drive that Windows provides. Difficulties to address a particular drive are therefore not a specific problem of Backer but a general problem of Windows. Contact your drive's manufacturer to obtain the latest drivers, or talk to your network administrator.


Source And Destination

Source and Destination are two paths between which Backer is supposed to compare files. Both can be on the same drive.

Source and Destination differ in their added features:

In the Source you can specify more than 1 path that Backer is to search and select file types to be included or excluded. Furthermore, you can enforce that certain files are always copied from Source to Destination, even if they are older than their opposite in the Destination, or erase files. (These settings are used for the search in the Destination also; insofar Source and Destination remain interchangeable.)

In the Destination you can form subdirectories by several criteria, e.g. for daily changing archives or a backup with three generations.

Assigning Source and Destination

If you use Backer for backups the assignment of Source and Destination is an obvious matter. It should be kept for restore operations also; you only have to revert the direction then (see below).

When synchronizing two computers the Destination's special features make no sense, so the assignment of Source and Destination is arbitrary.

Forward and backward

Distinguishing between Source and Destination does not imply that a transfer can happen only in that direction. This is the case with a backup, but with a synchronization data go in both directions, and with a restore operation they only go from Destination to Source.

To set things straight, the directions are named:

•	forward means from Source to Destination,

•	backward means from Destination to Source.

The names Source and Destination are thus always bound to the selected drives and independent of the actual direction of transfer.

You can set the desired direction under Options | Range. It is exactly those 3 settings available there that make the difference between synchronization, backup and restore.


Workfile And Batch File

Workfile

A workfile tells Backer what to do. It contains the Source directories and files to be processed, the Destination to copy the files to and the Options you selected. To put it shortly: It knows everything about your synchronizations or backups.

The file name extension is .bac. This extension identifies a workfile in the command line, which Backer then opens automatically.

Batch file

Several workfiles can be aggregated into a Batch file. This lets you automate tasks that cannot be packed into a single workfile. E.g. you cannot select more than 1 drive each for Source and Destination. Batch files remove this limitation.

The file name extension is .bbf for "Backer Batch file". These files can also be passed in the command line.


Multiple Disks In A Backup

If you want to backup a complete hard disk to Zip disks you will certainly need more than 1 Zip disk for that. Backer supports such backups only partially.

The mode of operation described requires that the whole data volumes of Source and Destination are accessible "at one glance". This is not possible with multiple disks. Programs that offer backups to multiple disks use the archive bit instead of the date-time stamp and work without comparisons.

But...

If you backup to an empty directory (e.g. with the daily changing Destinations) or to an empty media, then there is nothing to compare and you can work across multiple disks. When the Interruption appears with the message "Drive is full" simply insert a new disk and press Retry.

Ain't there a better way?

There is no reason to backup a complete hard disk! Just compare how little space all the documents you create in one year occupy, and how much space the word processor itself, which you have on CD-ROM anyway. Why lug two thirds of ballast with you? If you confine yourself to the data created by yourself a single media will perhaps do.

Handling multiple media is always impractical - the better solution is to either subdivide the data volume or buy a larger backup media. Storing a 2 GB hard disk on Zip disks is neither a cheap pleasure, nor can it be done in reasonable time.


Quick Start

As an approach to Backer there is the Express Setup. It contains the most important parts of the program in a compact form:

•	Choose Source and Destination.

•	Set the file types to be compared. Separate them with space characters. Names with spaces are not allowed.

•	Choose With all subdirectories and Show Overview, but not Don't run immediately.

•	Press Sync for the synchronization of two computers or Backup to backup your data.

Backer searches through Source and Destination and presents the results in an Overview. Press OK to trigger the copy process.


Learn

The provided file Learn.exe is a self-extracting archive that contains several test files and the workfile Learn.bac. Please extract it to C:\. Two directories C:\aaa\ and C:\bbb\ are created that the workfile uses as Source and Destination. The test files demonstrate the effects of Compare, Enforce, Erase and Exclude.

The file types are set as follows:

•	Compare files are of type txt.

•	Enforce files are of type ini.

•	Erase files are of type tmp.

•	Exclude files are of type bak.

•	Files for the size check are of type doc.

The date-time stamp is set as follows:

•	The older file of a pair is of 12/31/96.

•	The newer file of a pair is of 01/01/97.

•	File pairs with no age difference and orphans are of 09/11/96.

The size is as follows:

•	Files for the size warning due to the size ratio are 1 and 3 Bytes large, respectively.

•	Files for the size warning because of different size with same age are 11 and 12 Bytes large, respectively.

•	All other files are 2 Bytes large.

The size check is set to a factor of 3.

Sample output from Learn.bac

Colors may vary dependent on your Overview settings.

Working with Learn.bac

Press Go! see in the Overview how files are handled. They are sorted by type so that they are grouped by feature: all Enforce files together, all Erase files together and so on.

Some remarkable observations:

•	Compare does not process file pairs of same age. Exception: see the remark on the size warning below

•	Enforce processes neither file pairs of same age nor orphans in the Destination.

•	Erase finds file pairs with no age difference, too.

•	You do not see any Exclude files although they exist in the Source and Destination directories.

•	The size warning for file pairs of same age but different size appears independently of the chosen factor. For these files forward is the preferred direction.

Experiment with the settings for the orphans to learn their handling. Set e.g. Options | Orphans | Enforce backwards, press Go! and see how the orphan in the Destination gets erased.

By the way: In this case one could as well have listed *.txt and *.doc under Compare and left Exclude empty.


Automating Backer

Backer offers many facilities to automate tasks:

•	Open workfiles from the Windows Desktop, the Start Menu or the Explorer.

•	Use Auto functions to run a workfile right after opening, to exit Backer after running or to shut down Windows.

•	Hook Backer into the shutdown of Windows and never forget your daily backup again.

•	Use the integrated scheduler to run Backer at fixed times on selected days of the week.

•	Put several workfiles together into a Batch file to run them one after the other.

•	Put your most used workfiles into the Top 12 to open and run them with a single keystroke.

•	Have a Log written to track all operations or errors only.


Example 1: Synchronizing Notebook And Desktop PC

You want to go on a business trip, go home or on weekend leave, and get some work done on your notebook? Then you will first have to get the latest versions of your files (texts, speadsheets, data bases etc.) onto the notebook.

This Example assumes that the two computers are directly connected to each other (network, Direct Cable Connection, phone line). If not, please read the next Example.

Configuration

This Example can be configured with the Express Setup. It suffices to run Backer on only one of the two computers. (This is true for anything you do with Backer.)

1	Select File | New | Workfile.

2	Go to the Express Setup.

3	Select the two drives and directory trees that correspond to each other on desktop PC and notebook as Source and Destination.

4	Press Sync.

Backer searches through Source and Destination and presents the results in an Overview. Press OK to trigger the copy process. The latest versions of your files are copied from the desktop to the notebook PC. Files that are newer on the notebook or are absent on the desktop PC are copied from the notebook to the desktop PC.

5	Select File | Save as... and save your configuration by a name of your choice. You have just created your first workfile.

When you return to your office

On return to your work desk this procedure repeats: All you have to do is load your workfile by File | Open and press Go! The latest versions of your files are now copied from your notebook to your desktop PC.

To make life even easier put this workfile into the Top 12.


Example 2: Transferring Files Between Your Office And Your Home

Let us assume that your computer at home and your computer at the office are not connected via the phone line. (That would be the prerequisites for Example 1.)

You proceed as in Example 1 but insert disks as an intermediary. You must subdivide your data volumes by hand to fit on one disk each. If necessary, create individual workfiles for the various subdirectories. The Destination must be A:\ (or the drive letter of a Zip drive), and you must run Backer first on one machine, then on the other.

The problem of the small disks

Backer does not support synchronizing with the help of multiple disks because there is no simple and convincing solution to this problem. That is why we urge you to...

•	either subdivide the data volume so that each part fits on a single 1.44 MB floppy disk,

•	or to work with larger media like the Zip disk.

You can confine the data volume very easily by an age limit. Please note that returning to the Express Setup may cancel this age limit.


Example 3: Backing Up Important Files

This Example is similar to Example 2, because you have already been working with disks there. Here it is equally important to cut down the data volume to avoid multiple disks in a backup.

1	Select File | New | Workfile.

2	Insert the media you want to backup to.

Basically there are two possibilities: You have spread the files created with your applications into the respective directories, or you have collected all files in a directory tree of their own.

Files are in a directory tree of their own

Here no application files get in your way. You can backup the whole tree. This case can be configured with the Express Setup.

3	Go to the Express Setup.

4	Select drive and directory tree for the Source.

5	Select the Destination drive, i.e. A: für the 1.44 MB floppy disk or the letter of your Zip drive, CD-R(W) or a second hard disk.

6	Press Backup.

Files are in the application directories

Application files and data files are mingled. You do not need to backup the whole directory tree, after all, you can reinstall the application from CD. Concentrate on those files that were created or modified after the installation - set an age limit.

The Express Setup allows only 1 directory tree for the Source. There is, however, a dedicated menu item for the Source so that you can select an unlimited number of trees. This enables you to backup the data of several applications in a single run.

3	Select drive and directory trees under Configuration | Source. Close the dialog for the Source.

4	Select the Destination drive, i.e. A: für the 1.44 MB floppy disk or the letter of your Zip drive, CD-R(W) or a second hard disk. There is also a dedicated menu item for this, Configuration | Destination. Close the dialog for the Destination.

5	Switch to Configuration | Options.

6	On the Scope page, set Destination only.

7	On the Age page, use the third setting. Press the calendar icon to select an absolute date. Close the dialog for the Options.

8	Press Go!.

Do not go back to the Express Setup. Backer makes various settings automatically there; e.g. the age limit is canceled.

For both cases

Backer searches through the Source and presents the results in an Overview. Press OK to trigger the copy process. You get a warning if the data volume exceeds the free space in the Destination.

Usually you backup to an empty media. If files exist in the Destination that are missing in the Source, they are not added - that is the difference between backup and synchronization (as in Example 1).

9	Select File | Save as... and save your configuration by a name of your choice.

In Example 4 the files will be restored. Example 5 explains a backup strategy for small offices and home offices.


Example 4: Restoring Important Files

This Example is based on Example 3. In case you have suffered a data loss on your hard disk you can use your backups for recovery. If applications have been erased, too, first install them from the original media.

1	Open the workfile you have made the backup with.

2	Insert the media with your backup files.

Files are in a directory tree of their own

3	Go to the Express Setup.

4	Press Restore.

Files are in the application directories

3	Switch to Configuration | Options.

4	On the Scope page, set Source only. Close the dialog for the Options.

5	Press Go!.

Your data are being restored.


Example 5: A Backup Strategy

A backup strategy is your personal way to effectively protect yourself against data loss. Data loss can have many causes:

•	viruses

•	a damaged hard disk (notebook fallen down?)

•	human error ("I thought we wouldn't need this file anymore...")

•	revising a document until you realize you have ended up in a dead-end street and want to have back the old version

This is not to create exaggerated fear of data loss. Nevertheless, if your data are an economical asset, you need to protect them. To which extent you go depends on the value of your data: Losing the letter to Grandma will probably not hurt; losing all your company data will probably be the end of your company. Backer gives you the whole spectrum of data security - decide for yourself!

Your personal strategy could e.g. be:

•	Every day's work is saved to a 1.44 MB floppy disk by setting an age limit of 0 days. Every day of the week has its own disk that gets overwritten after 7 days.

•	Once a week you save to a Zip disk with a daily changing Destination. If a media is full you buy a new one. This way you build up an archive with date information over the months that allows you to regain old versions any time.

•	If you accumulate large data volumes every day you should climb to a higher level, e.g. with Zip disks for the daily and Jaz media for the weekly backup.

To deal with your daily backup Backer offers the Option Hook into Windows shutdown. For regular backups there is an internal scheduler.


Example 6: Comparing Two Directory Trees

Generally Backer can be used to compare two directory trees, that is directories with all their subdirectories, without having to synchronize them. You can compare two installations of the same application in a network.

This Example can be configured with the Express Setup.

1	Select File | New | Workfile.

2	Go to the Express Setup.

3	Select the two directory trees to be compared as Source and Destination.

4	Press Sync.

Backer displays an Overview of all differences in the two directory trees. You can sort or print the list.


Example 7: Smart Copying

You can copy with the help of the Windows Explorer, too, but it is not too smart:

Neither does the Explorer tell you if all data to be copied will fit onto the Destination drive, nor how far the copy job has progressed. It just cannot do that because it always works through such jobs in small portions. And... on the first error it cancels the whole job.

Backer, on the other hand, first does a survey of the whole data volume and can therefore provide you with the desired information. Errors are displayed so you can decide what to do about them.


Example 8: Removing Unnecessary Files From Your Hard Disk

In the course of time unnecessary files gather on your hard disk:

•	temporary files *.tmp that an application forgot to erase after use (or could not erase anymore due to a crash)

•	backup copies *.bak that you created while working on a project but do not need anymore

Backer can search your hard disk for such files. This is done by the included workfile TmpBak.bac.

A Destination is not really necessary here, so D:\Dummy\ is assumed. It is important that the Destination is on a different drive than the Source so there is no overlap. The Destination drive must be accessible, i.e. a media inserted. A CD-ROM is suitable because no files will be written to the Destination.

All files found are presented in an Overview. Press OK, and the unnecessary files are deleted.

Warning! Do not erase *.tmp files that could belong to a running application. Make sure with .bak files that you really do not need them anymore. For safety the Overview is sorted by date, with the latest files on top.


View Log

Displays the Log file. You can modify, save and print it.

If you prefer another viewer select it under Configuration | Log.


Express Setup

The Express Setup summarizes the most important settings of the menu items Source, Destination and Options. For quick setups without rarely used options this is the easiest way - or if you have not yet worked with Backer and look for an easy approach.

•	The files for Compare and Exclude must be separated by spaces. Names with spaces are not allowed. A typical entry is *.*.

•	Choose With all subdirectories if you want to process complete trees, not only single directories. This is the default.

•	Check Show Overview if you want to check or modify the candidates found. This is the default.

•	Don't run immediately allows you to refine your settings, e.g. by further Options.

•	Press Sync for the synchronization of two computers or Backup to backup your data.

Caution!

Pressing one of the 3 green buttons sets all settings not appearing here to standard values. To prevent this press Cancel, but you will also lose your changes.

More explanations can be found under the next three menu items. You can simply leaf forward with the buttons above.


Source

Selects the directories and files you want to process. All directories must be on the same drive. Use the right mouse button.

Drive

Select a drive from the list, or enter one by hand. Network drives appear in the list if desired, or browse the network by the context menu.

Backer allows you to quickly exchange the drive without having to re-enter the rest of the Source.

The decisive drive is the one selected, not the one highlighted among the available ones.

Directories

For directories there are the categories Search and Exclude. Use the context menu or Drag and Drop to select directories. The asterisk * indicates that all subdirectories are included.

Exclude has priority if a directory matches both templates:

•	You enter \Documents\* under Search.

•	You enter \Documents\Obsolete\ under Exclude.

\Documents\Obsolete\ will not be processed.

You must list at least 1 directory under Search.

You can enter a non-existing directory by typing its name into the Selected directory field. Check the option Create directories as needed for the Source.

Files

For directories there are the categories Compare, Enforce, Erase and Exclude. Use the context menu or Drag and Drop to select files.

•	Compare is Backer's normal operation: The newer versions overwrite the older ones, missing files are added.

•	Enforce always copies a file from Source to Destination, regardless of age. Use this category to overwrite user configurations with company standards. You must allow the Destination to be touched to enable this feature. Related option: Enforce backward.

•	Erase processes file pairs with and without age difference. Use this category to remove unnecessary files. Note that Backer has a sophisticated technique to erase orphaned files which is completely independent from this category. You must allow both Source and Destination to be touched to enable this feature.

The category farther to the right has priority if a file matches more than one template.

Windows 95 and NT 4.0, in contrast to former versions, can handle templates like *ABC*.* properly - this will find all files whose name contains ABC.

You must list at least 1 file under Search, Enforce or Erase.

You can enter a non-existing file by typing its name into the Selected file field.

Example

You want to synchronize word processor files between your desktop PC (Source) and your notebook (Destination). All tmp files are to be removed. Besides, you want to make sure that document templates that you might have accidentally altered on the notebook are overwritten by the company standard templates on the desktop PC. If, though, company templates have been updated, they are to be transferred to your notebook.

The catch here is that with a simple Compare, a newer document template would always overwrite an older one. Only orphaned files could be erased. File pairs with no age difference (like previously synchronized tmp files) would not be processed at all.

The settings you have to make:

•	*.* under Compare,

•	*.dot under Enforce,

•	*.tmp under Erase,

•	nothing under Exclude.

An alternative is the configuration via Drag and Drop.

If you wonder why Backer does not sport the tree selection found in other backup programs - try to quickly change the drive or to enter directories that do not yet exist in such a tree.


Destination

Select the Destination, that is the opposite to the Source. The Destination can be on another drive. Read Source And Destination to learn more about the relationship between the two.

The Destination can be a special directory C:\Archive\ or C:\Backup\, or a floppy disk A:\ or a Zip drive or a CD-R(W), or a network drive, or a Direct Cable Connection etc.

You can enter a non-existing directory by typing its name into the Selected directory field. Check the option Create directories as needed for the Destination.

Drive

Select a drive from the list, or enter one by hand. Network drives appear in the list if desired, or browse the network by the context menu.

The decisive drive is the one selected, not the one highlighted among the available ones.

Variation

You can vary the Destination automatically, i.e. create subdirectories by certain criterions. Such variations make sense only for backups, not for synchronizing two computers.

•	With Calendar date the current date is used. If you e.g. have the Destination E:\Archive\, then on July 4th 1998 a directory E:\Archive\Saturday, July 4, 1998\ would be created. (Backer uses the long date format from Control Panel.) This makes sense for building an archive of old versions. Except on the same day such a subdirectory can never be overwritten.

•	Weekday creates subdirectories Sunday, Monday etc. After a week old files are overwritten.

•	Even / Odd uses the subdirectory Even on even calendar days and Odd on odd ones.

•	3 Generations first creates a subdirectory Grandson. Before the next run this is renamed to Son and a new Grandson is created. One more run, and the Son becomes the Father, the Grandson again becomes the Son, and a new Grandson appears.

And then? Then the Father is "reborn" as Grandson. Again, the Son becomes the Father, and the Grandson becomes the Son.

This way you always have three generations of your archive with no gaps in the sequence, namely Father, Son and Grandson. A particular file can appear in up to three different versions. If it has not been altered in between, it appears three times in the same version.

Object of comparison is always the Grandson. During a run a temporary directory Grandfather is created.

Use 8.3 compatible variations for network operating systems without support for long file names. The subdirectories are then named with not more than 8 characters, e.g. A070498\ for the calendar date.


Options

Backer achieves its power by the many options that are divided into 9 groups. Click the appropriate tab for detailed information.

You can store your favorite options and reload them when needed - independent of the current workfile. When you create a new workfile the stored options are used.


Options: Scope

Touch

Touching means writing or erasing a file in Source or Destination, that is an alteration. By confining the scope you can protect Source or Destination against alterations.

See Source And Destination for a discussion of Forward and Backward.

The 3 settings available here make the difference between Backup, Synchronization and Restore. This knowledge becomes important in conjunction with the Orphans.

Attributes

Determines which kinds of files are to be processed in addition to normal files.

Attributes can be viewed in the Explorer by highlighting the file(s) and pressing Alt+Return. Hidden and System are true for many files that Windows needs under any circumstances and therefore wants to protect against accidental deletion. Read-only usually is set by the user for files that he himself wants to protect against accidental deletion. Unfortunately, all files copied directly from CD-ROM are marked read-only also.

Read-only files always get found but cannot get overwritten or erased. Hidden and system files neither get found nor can they get overwritten, but erasing is possible. If only 1 file of a pair has the attribute Hidden or System, the whole pair does not get found.

Backer automatically transfers the attributes of files in the respective direction. Thus attributes help you to...

•	Exactly synchronize directories that contain hidden or system files, e.g. the root directory C:\;

•	Overwrite and erase read-only files without error messages - of course, this bears a certain danger that you should be aware of.


Options: Directories

Shorten paths as far as possible

You should be familiar with the term Path. Backer can shorten paths in Source and Destination so that the common beginning is dropped.

Shorten the paths if you want to reduce a widely branching directory structure to its essence:

•	You want to backup the directories C:\Accounting\Smith\Project 1\ and C:\Accounting\Smith\Project 2\ to the Destination A:\.
Without shortening the files will be written to A:\Accounting\Smith\Project 1\ and A:\Accounting\Smith\Project 2\.
Shortening will copy the files to A:\Project 1\ and A:\Project 2\ because the directory \Accounting\Smith\ that is contained in both paths is dropped.

You must also shorten the paths if you want to synchronize two directory trees that are not exactly symmetrical:

•	You want to synchronize C:\Accounting\Smith\ and E:\Smith\Filing Cabinet\. For the Source path there is no exact opposite in the Destination.
Select the Destination E:\Smith\Filing Cabinet\ and shorten the paths.
The Express Setup is ideal for tasks like this.

Do not shorten the paths if you want to preserve the exact directory structure.

If you are not sure which result shortening will yield simply check in the Overview  whether you get what you want.

Create directories as needed

Enable this setting to create directories that do not yet exist. If not you will get an Interruption when a necessary directory does not exist. This setting should only be off where an existing directory structure must not be expanded.

Create empty directories

The previous setting creates directories only as needed, i.e. if they contain files. This setting allows to create empty directories as well, e.g. to get an exact copy of a directory tree. It is mutually exclusive with the next one.

Delete empty directories

This setting is useful in conjunction with erasing Orphans. It is mutually exclusive with the previous one.

Backer relies on the operating system to prohibit deletion of non-empty directories. Improperly written drivers for add-on drives like CD-RW may not contain this protection. Contact the drive's manufacturer (not Microsoft) for an updated driver.

Transfer directory attributes

Backer automatically transfers the attributes of files in the respective direction. Check this option to also transfer directory attributes. The direction is always from Source to Destination.

The date-time stamp of directories cannot be transferred under Windows.


Options: Age

Backer knows three different age filters: relative, absolute and automatic.

•	Not more than x days old is a relative limit. The date displayed changes with every new day. This setting is useful for daily or weekly backups where only the changes during that period are covered. The present day is counted as 0. For the changes of the last week enter 6 here.

•	Since... is an absolute limit. The date displayed does not change with every new day. This setting is useful for complete backups of projects that were started on a certain day.

•	Since the last run catches all changes since the beginning of the last run with this workfile. (Only the name, not the path is decisive.) The date and time of the last run is recorded in the file Backer40.ini. This method can therefore only work if you always use Backer from the same directory.

An age filter can reduce large data volumes or exclude obsolete files from processing.


Options: Orphans

Orphans are the most powerful and most complicated feature of Backer. You should have a thorough understanding of them before you put any setting to Erase, especially if you have switched off the Overview.

Orphans are files that exist either in the Source or in the Destination, but not in both. Depending on the purpose you want to copy orphans to the opposite side, ignore them, or erase them. The possibilities depend on the setting for Touch.

Please note: Orphans are always files of the Source's Compare category. The Erase category has nothing to do with oprhans.

Understanding Orphans

Orphans are easiest to understand if both Destination and Source are to be touched. Both sides are equivalent and you can choose...

•	Forward / backward to bring both sides to the union of the data sets. All files in Source OR Destination OR both (that is all files) are processed. Files missing on one side are added there. After running there are no more orphans and both sides have identical data sets.

•	Erase to bring both sides to the intersection of the data sets. Only files in Source AND Destination (that is all non-orphans) are processed. The orphans get erased. After running there are no more orphans and both sides have identical data sets.

•	Skip. Only files in Source AND Destination (that is all non-orphans) are processed, but the orphans do not get erased. After running there are still orphans, and both sides have different data sets.

The same principle applies to the other Touch modes. The more complex setting is necessary since only one side may be altered.

Archives and backups with orphans

Decide whether you want to have any file created so far in your archive / backup or only those still being in use, i.e. still existing in the Source. Select Touch: Destination only and set the orphans in the Source to Forward (these are the files that are missing in the archive / backup and need to be added). Depending on your decision set the orphans in the Destination to Skip or Erase (these are the files that are still in the archive / backup but have already been erased in the Source).

Check the result in the Overview .

Synchronizing with orphans

When synchronizing two computers Source and Destination are not always equivalent. If you never work on both computers at the same time and always synchronize when switching, the computer used last is more important: You may have erased files there that you do not need anymore. But they still exist on the other computer - as orphans. These circumstances are typical for people who own both a notebook and a desktop PC.

If you set Touch to Destination only or Source only, depending on the desired direction of the run, and have the orphans erased for both settings, you do not need to take care of cleaning up any more.

A practical example: You connect notebook and desktop PC via the Direct Cable Connection. The notebook is the guest. Backer is running on the notebook. Source is a directory tree on the notebook, Destination the corresponding directory tree on the desktop PC.

The orphans are treated as follows: Touch: Destination only: Source Forward, Destination Erase; Touch: Source only: Destination Backward, Source Erase. You have last worked on the desktop PC. Now you want to go on a trip with the notebook. Set Touch to Source only. Press Go! Obsolete files on the notebook (the Source) get erased. After returning to your desk let Backer run on the notebook again. Set Touch to Destination only. Press Go! Obsolete files on the desktop PC (the Destination) get erased.

If you have understood this example thoroughly then - and only then - you have found a powerful synchronizing system. To make life even easier create two workfiles, one with Touch: Destination only, one with Touch: Source only. Give them descriptive file names and put them into the Top 12.

Warning

Orphans are files that exist only once. So think twice if you want to use this option, especially if you have selected Touch: Destination and Source: Deleting orphans is pointless and dangerous if you want to make a backup to an empty media because then all files in the Source are orphans! Renaming individual files or directories will also generate orphans. You are always on the safe side if you have the Overview displayed.

List files to be skipped

Normally files to be skipped are not displayed in the Overview. However, sometimes you may want to see all files on a media, even if they do not get processed.

Enforce backward

This setting pertains to the Source's category Enforce. Additionally, you can enforce that for selected file types orphans in the Destination get erased, independent of orphans in the Compare category.


Options: Sorting

Determines the order in which Backer processes the files. You should be familiar with the terms path and type.

You can alter the sorting method in the Overview to check the files found more easily.


Options: Checks

Show Overview

Determines if you want to confirm the files to be processed in an Overview before the actual copying commences. You can also make changes, e.g. select individual files for skipping or erasing. The button takes you to the settings for the Overview.

The Overview is highly recommended to get familiar with how Backer works. You can see an example picture under Learn.

For unattended runs in conjunction with the Automation the Overview must be disabled.

Size check

The size check issues a warning if the size difference between the two versions of a file is larger than the factor selected here, or if the two versions of a file have different sizes in spite of identical date. This way you can stop damaged files before they spread. In the Overview critical file pairs appear with a yellow icon.

Double modification

A problem with synchronizing files is the double modification: Since the last run both versions of a file have been modified. Backer assumes that the newer version is to remain but warns you. This warning appears in the Overview with a red icon.

The date and time of the last run is recorded in the file Backer40.ini. This method can therefore only work if you always use Backer from the same directory.


Options: Network

Backer accepts UNC paths. Therefore you need not map network drives to drive letters. You can set Backer so that their UNC paths appear in the selection lists for Source and Destination.

The drawback is that browsing a whole network takes time. You must find your personal compromise whether to invest the time or rather enter UNC paths by hand. Backer offers 3 settings here:

•	The drill depth tells Backer how deep to look into the network structure (see below).

•	The volume information consists of label and file system. To query it takes some time in a network, especially for drives that are not available.

•	Refresh means re-reading the network structure down to the set drill depth: Never means only a single reading, namely when a list is needed for the first time. Always means that the network is browsed every time when a list is needed. If older than 10 minutes requires that more than 10 minutes must have passed since the last refresh.

In a Microsoft Windows network the drill depth is e.g.:

•	0 = Microsoft Windows Network (this level is absent in Windows 95)

•	1 = <Workgroups>

•	2 = <Computer names>

•	3 = <Share names>

You must thus set a drill depth of at least 3 to see UNC paths. In other networks the levels may be different.

By default the drill depth is 0, the volume information off and the refresh set to Never. You will therefore see no UNC paths, but will lose no time for browsing the network.

Manual functions

Backer remembers 5 UNC paths each for Source and Destination, whether entered by hand or selected from the list. These appear at the end of the respective list. Besides you can re-read the list or browse your network anytime by the right mouse button (the list must be closed for that).

Rules of thumb

In a network of 5 computers waiting time is no issue. In a network of 50 computers you should choose the sparsest settings.

Clocks

Windows 95 uses the FAT file system, Windows NT uses NTFS. The former does not allow odd seconds in the date-time-stamp of a file. This leads to a possible time difference of 2 seconds between a FAT and an NTFS drive. Set a tolerance of 2 seconds so that Backer considers the date-time-stamps equal.

Use UTC time in a wide-area network under Windows 95. This operating system uses local time for the date-time-stamp. For synchronization of files in different time zones Backer must convert all stamps to a reference time.


Options: Warnings

Backer issues warnings as required during a run. Some of them you may find unnecessary, others you may want to emphasize with a warning sound. You should never switch of the Interruption on error as long as you want to control the program yourself.

For an automatic run without human intervention all messages must be switched off. You can reconstruct the action later from the Log.


Options: Automation

The settings for the automation help you to run Backer unattended. You can reconstruct the action later from the Log.

•	Run after opening: Works only in conjunction with the command line. A workfile or Batch file handed over as a command line parameter is run immediately.

•	Beep after run: Signals the end of long runs.

•	Exit Backer after run: Useful in conjunction with Run after opening to let Backer run via an external scheduler.

•	Shutdown Windows after run: Useful in conjunction with Run after opening to let the computer run via a power outlet with time switch.

•	Hook into Windows shutdown: Deals with your daily backup. Start Backer minimized via the Startup group. Hand over a workfile or Batch file in the command line. When you shut down Windows Backer runs. After that, Windows is shut down anew.

•	Scheduler: Takes you to the internal scheduler.

•	Minimize to system tray: Instead in the task bar itself, Backer appears in the system tray left of the clock. Running in the background thus becomes unobtrusive.

Selected functions are displayed in the main window's status line.


Overview

If you have selected the Overview check you can set its appearance here. The settings can be made individually for each workfile.

Colors

If you work in HiColor or TrueColor (65536 or 16 million colors) you can select two very light hues for the line raster.

The system colors used are: Window, Application Background, Window Text and Inactive Window Text.

Always show paths

A non-existing opposite of a file is represented by a blank rectangle. You can, however, display the path to check into which directory the file will be copied.


Log

The log is a report of Backer's activities in text file format. This report's appearance can be customized here. The settings can be made individually for each workfile.

•	Date and time: Define how the moment a file was copied is noted. Do not mistake this for the date-time-stamp of a file.

•	Add date to name: Uses the long date format from Control Panel to create a unique file name each day. This prevents overly big Log files in conjunction with Append to old file.

•	Do not log normal operation: Only errors are recorded, as well as "administration" data.

•	Show after run: You can display the log automatically or manually. Caution: The built-in viewer blocks Backer until the user stops the display. For automated runs choose an external viewer.

•	Viewer: Backer puts the file name in double quotes. Some 16 bit programs do not accept such file names.

•	Use Switches to hand over additional command line parameters to an external viewer.

The log file should always be excluded from processing. Put it out of the Source, or add it to the Exclude files.


Scheduler

Regular backups can be scheduled here. Follow the instructions in the dialog.

A running timer is displayed in the main window's status line.


Top 12

You can put workfiles and Batch files that you use frequently into the Top 12 list and add a description to them. This description is displayed in the file menu so that you open and run a file with one command. Instead of the file menu you can also use the keys F1 through F12. If you press Shift also, you only open the file but do not run it.

A description can be up to 60 characters long and contain any character. The Top 12 are stored in the file Backer40.ini.

In case you expect a help function on F1, better leave this key empty.


Batch Files

Compile your Batch files here.

To copy workfiles from the list of Available files to the list of Workfiles in this Batch file, use the context menu or Drag and Drop. For a quick glance you can display a workfile or open it in another instance of Backer.

Warnings and Automation are identical to the facilities of workfiles. The settings for the individual workfiles are overwritten by the Batch file's settings. Caution: Automatic display of the built-in Log viewer blocks Backer until the user stops the display.

For an unattended run the Overview check must be off in each workfile.


Go!

Runs a workfile or Batch file. For faster operation, this command may also be issued with the Return key.

Preparations

You should have the Source directories and files compiled, the Destination selected and your Options set.

Checks

Backer checks...

•	that your configuration is complete,

•	that Source and Destination are not identical,

•	that Source and Destination drive are accessible,

•	the free space in Source and Destination.

Warnings can be suppressed to not disturb an unattended run.

Interruption

On an error or on personal request the run is interrupted. Interruptions can be suppressed to not disturb an unattended run.


The Overview

The Overview shows all directories and files found - provided that you have selected the appropriate check. The initial settings can be determined under Overview.

You can see an example of an Overview under Learn.

You can make changes, e.g. select individual files for skipping or erasing. By these changes you can infringe on the setting under Touch. If you change a folder all files contained therein will be changed. Changes can also be made by the right mouse button.

Mouse clicks

Double-click on a folder to open and close it. Double-click on a file to switch between the category Forward, Backward, Skip and Erase. If you hit the respective icon, a single click suffices.

Icons above the list

One-line or two-line display

Sorting by path, name, type, size, date/time or category *)

Sorting in descending or ascending order

Filter for size check and double modification

Count of files in the categories Forward / Skip / Erase / Backward; data volume to be transferred

Icons in the list

File Forward / Skip / Erase / Backward

Warning for size check or double modification

*) Sorting uses the file in the source, if existing. Changing the category does not trigger a new sorting.


Printing The Overview

Anything you see in the Overview can be printed exactly as displayed. If you own a color printer, you can even reproduce the screen colors; else Backer chooses a gray-scale representation.

Choose the fonts for page headers and file pairs with Header and Data. With the latter the attribute Bold is ignored. You can insert separator lines between file pairs; due to the low resolution they may not appear correctly in the page preview. If you do not use colors, you can set alternating gray-scale backgrounds instead to enhance readability. Between two file pairs an adjustable spacing is inserted. Add a remark on the first page to comment the printout.

Choose paper size and orientation under Setup, or change the printer. Your printer setup may also allow margin settings, but they will be ignored. The page preview paints those areas in a light gray that your printer cannot reach for technical reasons.

Some monochrome printers have problems to raster gray-scales appropriately. This is a failure in the driver, not in Backer.


Interruption

This window will appear if copying a file gets interrupted - either by you or by a read or write error. The reason for the interruption is displayed. You can...

•	Retry after you have eliminated the cause;

•	Skip this file and move on to the next;

•	Skip all files in the present folder and move on to the next;

•	Erase this file or this file pair, respectively.

The remedy

•	Directory must be created first: Switch on Create directories as needed.

•	File read-only/hidden/system or insufficient rights: Switch on Attributes: Overwrite / erase read-only files. Under Windows NT: Check if you have the necessary access rights.

•	Media write-protected: Remove the write-protection.

•	Drive full: Check if this is a case for Multiple disks in a backup, or reduce the data volume, e.g. by an age limit.


The Command Line

You can hand Backer the name of a workfile or Batch file in the command line, e.g.

"C:\Program Files\Backer 4\Backer40.exe" D:\Test\Test.bbf

Note that directory and file names with spaces must always be in double quotes. (This pertains to any character that was not allowed in a DOS file name). Use absolute paths, i.e. with drive and root directory, or set the shortcut's Start in directory appropriately.

There are no other command line parameters, because you can make all settings for unattended operation within the workfile; see the Options for Warnings and Automation.


Hot Keys

Backer knows the following Hot Keys to operate the menu items:

Ctrl+N 	File | New

Ctrl+O 	File | Open

Ctrl+S 	File | Save

Ctrl+A 	File | Save As

Ctrl+L 	File | View Log

Alt+F4 	File | Exit

F1 ... F12 	Open and run Top 12 workfile

Shift+F1 ... Shift+F12 	Open Top 12 workfile but do not run

1 ... 6 	Open recent workfile

Alt+E 	Configuration | Express Setup

Alt+S 	Configuration | Source

Alt+D 	Configuration | Destination

Alt+O 	Configuration | Options

Alt+V 	Configuration | Overview

Alt+L 	Configuration | Log

Alt+U 	Configuration | Scheduler

Alt+T 	Configuration | Top 12

Alt+B 	Configuration | Batch

Return 	Go!

All Hot Keys except Return are displayed in the menus. You do not have to learn them by heart.


Drag And Drop

Drag and Drop is a Windows mechanism to e.g. take files easily from A to B with the mouse. A vivid example is the Explorer that allows you to copy and move directories and files this way. Or think of the Recycle Bin.

Not everything that can be dragged can also be dropped over Backer - watch the mouse pointer - but only directories and files. The procedure is as follows:

For workfiles

•	If it is a directory tree, it will be added to the Search directories. If you press Shift it will instead be added to the Exclude directories. Press Ctrl to add not the whole tree but only the directory itself. The drive is ignored.

•	If it is a file, it will be added to the Compare files. If you press Shift it will instead be added to the Exclude files.

For Batch files

•	Only .bac files are accepted. They are added to the Batch.

Drag and Drop also works within the forms for Source and Batch files.


The Direct Cable Connection

The Direct Cable Connection of Windows 95 helps in the simple and inexpensive data transfer between two computers. All you need is a connection cable. Choose a parallel one, it is considerably faster than a serial one. It costs about US$ 10. Tell the retailer explicitly that you want a connection cable, not a printer cable.

Configuration

You must determine one computer as the host and the other as the guest. If you want to connect a notebook to a desktop PC the notebook should be the guest, because the desktop PC usually has more resources (e.g. CD-ROM) to offer. Basically the assignment of roles is arbitrary, however.

Backer must run on the guest. On the host, share the drives that the guest is allowed to use. To do this, right-click on the respective icon in the Explorer and choose Sharing...

To use the Direct Cable Connection with Backer, you must enter the UNC path manually or map the host's shared drive to a drive letter on the guest: When the guest has established the connection, press Show Host. In the appearing window, right-click on a shared drive and select Map Network Drive. You can now assign a drive letter that Backer will show in the Source and Destination settings. Check Reconnect at Logon so that the new drive letter is available every time you use the Direct Cable Connection.

For additional information see the Windows 95 online help, keyword "Direct Cable Connection".

Windows NT 4 has no Direct Cable Connection. You must use the RAS (Remote Access Service).


The Year 2000 Problem

Backer uses a 64-bit value representing the number of 100-nanosecond intervals since January 1, 1601, to store a date internally. That will last until the year 60,000.

For display purposes, the short date format from the Control Panel is used. Even if you set a year format with only two digits, this does not affect the inner proceedings of Backer.


Version History

4.03 feature and service update

•	Minimize to system tray (in the task bar, left of the clock) - ideal for running in the background. See Options | Automation.

•	8.3 compatibility for the variations of the Destination - for network operating systems without support for long file names.

•	Create empty directories in Source and Destination. See Options | Directories.

•	After an automatic shutdown under WinNT the system does not restart immediately.

4.02 service update

•	Recent file list #7 thru #9 work.

•	In Batch mode, workfile settings do not overwrite Batch settings.

4.01 service update

•	The file attribute problem is fixed.

•	The manual is included.


Evaluation Version

Backer is distributed as an evaluation version. The difference between evaluation version and licensed version is a reminder screen on program start and disabling of keys F3 to F12. You may use the evaluation version for 30 days. After that you must either remove the product completely or purchase a license.

Distribution Policy

Permission is granted to any individual or business to distribute the evaluation version of Backer, provided they convey a complete and unaltered copy of the entire package (recompression and decompression is permitted, as well as adding files with distributor information). This permission pertains to any kind of media including WWW and FTP server, CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW, online service and BBS, any form of packaging and bundling, and any distribution fee. The author may revoke any permissions granted here by notification in writing; a revocation does not pertain to CD-ROMs, disk or other media already manufactured.


Copyright, License, Limited Warranty, Trademarks
Copyright  •  License  •  Limited Warranty  •  Trademarks

Copyright

© 1995-1998 for program and documentation: Leanware Development GmbH i.G. Software

TrayIcon Component © 1996 James Roberts-Thomson

License

Each license grants you permission to install program and documentation on any number of computers. However, the product may only be used on one computer at the same time; this also includes older versions of the product*. The licensed version must not be copied or distributed. The licensee is permitted to make backup copies for personal use.

* For instance, you may not use Backer 3.0 on one computer and Backer 4.0 on another at the same time if you own only 1 license. Updates do not count as additonal licenses.

Limited Warranty

THIS PRODUCT IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR ENDORSEMENTS REGARDING THE USE OF, THE RESULTS OF, OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS APPROPRIATENESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR CORRECTNESS. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT IS ASSUMED BY THE USER. THE PRODUCER DOES NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR THE USE OF THIS PROGRAM BEYOND THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE SOFTWARE. IN NO EVENT WILL THE PRODUCER BE LIABLE FOR ADDITIONAL DIRECT OR INDIRECT DAMAGES INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECTS, OR THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PROGRAM, EVEN IF THE PRODUCER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME US STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR THE LIMIT OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Trademarks

MS-DOS, Windows, Windows 95, Windows NT and WordPad are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
Zip and Jaz are trademarks or registered trademarks of Iomega Corp.
All other copyrights, trademarks and registered trademarks are acknowledged as the sole property of their respective owners.


How To Order

Backer costs US$ 35 or DEM 69. No shipping & handling worldwide. You will receive a notification with name and number that converts the evaluation version into the licensed version. From 5 licenses on you will instead receive a version on disk that contains internal license data.

When ordering please give a name to be displayed in the program. For private orders this should be your first and last name with or without middle initial, for companies the company name (up to 80 characters).

There are 2 ways to purchase licenses:

•	Direct

Order directly from the producer by sending in the Order Form. You can order by mail, fax or e-mail (order@leanware.com) and pay by cash, credit card, or cheque.

•	Toll-free phone with operator assistance, Internet, e-mail, fax, mail

CREDIT CARD ONLY - You can order with MC, Visa, Amex, or Discover from PsL (Public Software Library). Volume discounts are available on the Internet order form.

PsL's telephone operators are available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday at 800-242-4775 Ext.14442 or at 713-524-6394 Ext.14442.

Or go to www.leanware.com/english/backer32.htm. Encrypted and non-encrypted transfers are available.

Or e-mail your order to PsL at 14442@pslweb.com.

Or fax your order to PsL at 713-524-6398.

Or mail your order to PsL at P.O.Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705.

THE ABOVE NUMBERS AND ADRESSES ARE FOR ORDERS ONLY. THE PRODUCER OF THIS PROGRAM CANNOT BE REACHED. Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order, refunds, registration options, product details, technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, non-credit card orders, etc, must be directed to the producer.

To insure that you get the latest version, PsL will notify us within one business day of your order and we will transmit the license data directly to you via the fastest way possible. If available, please give your electronic contact information (e-mail, fax) when ordering.

Site licenses

•	10 users:	US$	249	or	DEM	499

•	50 users:	US$	999	or	DEM	1,999

•	100 users:	US$	1,499	or	DEM	2,999

Invoice with VAT • Receipt for tax purposes

Customers within Germany may request an invoice with express VAT (16% at present). Customers within the European Community will be charged the net price if the order includes a VAT Reg No. The invoice will be in DEM.

You can get an invoice or receipt only when ordering direct.


Order Form

Leanware Development GmbH i.G. Software
Am Pahl 3c
24999 Wees
Germany
Fax +49 - 4631 - 622590

Name:	_________________________	Company:	_________________________

City:	_________________________	Zip code:	_________________________

Street:	_________________________	Country:	_________________________

Phone:	_________________________	Fax:	_________________________

E-mail:	___________________________________________________________________

Name to be displayed in the program: ___________________________________________

Order

________	license(s) Backer 4.0

Credit card:	DEM 69 each	DEM _____________ total

All others:	US$ 35 each	US$  _____________ total

No shipping & handling worldwide.
Site licenses available. Prices are subject to change.

Payment

O	Visa card No ___________________________________ exp. date _____________

O	MasterCard / Access No _________________________ exp. date _____________

O	Cheque in US$

O	Cash, money is enclosed

O	Purchase order (firms, governmental and educational facilities only; 30 days net cash)

Send license data by:     · E-mail     · Fax     · Letter     · with invoice/receipt

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Site licenses

•	10 users:	US$	249	or	DEM	499

•	50 users:	US$	999	or	DEM	1,999

•	100 users:	US$	1,499	or	DEM	2,999

Please enter the desired number of licenses into your order form. Disregard the price for a single license.


Addresses

Leanware Development GmbH i.G. Software
Am Pahl 3c
D-24999 Wees
Germany

•	Internet: www.leanware.com

•	E-mail: info@leanware.com

•	Voice +49 - 4631 - 622597

•	Fax +49 - 4631 - 622590

VAT Reg No. DE 188 045 671


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Backer work with tape drives?

A: No. Tapes are sequential media and cannot erase or add files in the middle. That is why they come with special software. They do not appear as drive letters in the Explorer. Seagate Software offers a solution called Direct Tape Access to assign a drive letter to a tape (see PC Magazine July 1997 p. 66), but it cannot overcome the technical limitations either.

Q: I want to backup from more than 1 drive in one run.

A: The limit of 1 drive in Source and Destination has the technical reason that files must be related unambiguously in both directions. Use a Batch file.

Q: When I try to start Backer40.exe a message appears that a file was not found.

A: The required file Backer40.dll is missing. See installation for details.

Q: Some files are found twice.

A: You have specified templates that include one and the same file twice. E.g. with *.* and *.txt every file with the extension .txt is found twice. Though two identical specifications are not allowed, Backer cannot detect such redundancies.

Q: Those many settings puzzle me. Backer simply does not do what it is supposed to.

A: A program as powerful as this requires some time to get used to. In the beginning, set yourself simple tasks and get them done solely with the Express Setup.

Q: Some windows are larger than the whole screen, or window texts do not fit properly.

A: The window size is affected by the size of the system font. Backer runs with fonts from 100% to 200% (96 ppi to 192 ppi). Best choose the Small Fonts or Large Fonts offered by Windows. With the small fonts Backer needs a screen resolution of at least 640x480, with the large fonts of at least 800x600.

Q: The progress bar runs irregularly - first quickly, then almost creepingly.

A: You are using a cache. This means data are not written to the media immediately but temporarily only to memory - which is fast. In a system breather the real writing takes place. Programs cannot detect a cache because the operating system's feedback is identical with or without cache - that is the punch line. You can watch this effect when deleting a large directory tree: After the message window has disappeared the Explorer still does not accept input for some seconds, since it is occupied with the actual deleting. Big disadvantage of a cache: If in such cases you switch off your computer too early the write process will not be finished yet and you might lose data!


Nothing to do

Under Source or Express Setup directories and/or files are missing. You have to list at least 1 directory under Search. For the files 1 entry altogether under Compare, Enforce or Erase suffices. A typical entry for the files is *.* under Compare.

This message can be suppressed for workfiles and Batch files. The category is Others.


Source and Destination are identical.

Source and Destination are the same directory tree. There is no point in running Backer.

This message can be suppressed for workfiles and Batch files. The category is Others.


Source and Destination overlap.

Source and Destination overlap. Running Backer is impossible.

This message can be suppressed for workfiles and Batch files. The category is Others.


Drive not ready.

Source and/or Destination drive are not accessible because no disk is inserted, you are not logged into the network or the drive does not exist physically.

This message can be suppressed for workfiles and Batch files. The category is Others.


It is past midnight.

You have set an age limit of 0 days. This implies that you want to backup your day's work. Because the next day has already begun you would not cover all files of your working day. This check is done until 2 in the morning.

This message can be suppressed for workfiles and Batch files. Its category is Others.


No files found.

Backer has determined that all files to be processed are up-to-date. If this is not the expected result, please check Source, Destination and Options.

This message can be suppressed for workfiles and Batch files.


Drive lacks storage space.

Free space in Source and/or Destination will not be sufficient to take all files. Perhaps the disk contains old files that you can erase. Depending on the circumstances inserting a new media may help. The best solution is a reduction of the data volume (see Multiple disks in a backup).

If you press Yes, Backer will recalculate the free space so that you get up-to-date information in the Overview. Check here whether files can be skipped or erased. Please note: The recalculation will be inaccurate if you erase files that are among those found by Backer.

This message can be suppressed for workfiles and Batch files.


Viewer not found

The selected Log viewer is not where Backer expects it. Possible reasons are:

• Notepad is not in the Windows directory (C:\Windows\ or C:\WinNT\) or is not installed.

• Quick View is not in its Windows subdirectory (C:\Windows\System\Viewers\ or C:\WinNT\System32\Viewers\) or is not installed.

• WordPad is not installed.

• You have specified an invalid viewer or none at all.

• You have specified a viewer or word processor earlier that is not accessible any more because you are not logged into the network or have renamed or moved the application.

If Notepad, Quick View or WordPad cannot be found although they are installed, simply search under Log | Other.