Copyright: Copyright © 1995-1998 Jeffrey A. Becker
Citation: Copyright © 1995-1998 Jeffrey A. Becker


Overview
  LifeSaver On-Line Help v4.00

Frequently Asked Questions

LifeSaver 4.0 is made up of two main components:

1. System File Backup (Win95/98)

2. Custom File Backup (Win95/98/NT4)

System File Backup (Win95/98)

The LifeSaver System File Backup component is a Windows 95/98 configuration file backup and restore utility.  This component of LifeSaver is the same as previous versions of LifeSaver.  It can be used to recover from problems due to corrupt configuration files or changes to configuration files which can not be undone.  Configuration files can be modified by installing new software or hardware, or changing properties in your system configuration.  You should backup your configuration files before altering them, allowing you to restore them if you can not undo the changes.  Restoring any configuration files should only be done as a last resort if you can not manually restore them to a previous state or if they have become corrupt.

Custom File Backup (Win95/98/NT4)

The LifeSaver Custom File Backup component is a Windows 95/98/NT4 generic file backup and restore utility.  LifeSaver can backup up to 2GB of custom data per drive.  This component of LifeSaver replaces the custom file list of 10 files in previous versions of LifeSaver.  It can be used to backup/restore a directory with or without subdirectories.  You can use wildcards to select files to backup or restore.  The Custom File backups use built-in ZIP compression that is compatible with PkZip and WinZip (you do not need either program to use the Custom File component).

LifeSaver has many useful features that are described below. The Standard features are available to registered and unregistered users. The Additional features are only available to registered users, and for a 30-day trial period to unregistered users.

Standard features:

- Backup and Restore up to eight default system configuration files *

- Run from the command line with scheduling programs (i.e. System Agent)

- Add to System Agent, StartUp folder, or desktop during install.

- Smart install changes default options based on system configuration

- Restore files from the command prompt (DOS) mode with self-generating batch file *

- Safely restore the registry files from Windows *

- Quick restore with right mouse button on backup list

- Restore to an alternate directory

- Save up to 2 system backups

- Enhanced reliability

- Restore individual files

- Right mouse button support (including "What's This?" help)

- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) in on-line help

- User selectable Toolbar, Status Bar, and backup sort order

- Resizable screen for long backup names

- Rename backups at any time

- Enhanced on-line documentation

- Includes Version History

- View backup Properties to see backup file name(s) and path(s)

- Independently Backup, Restore, Lock and Delete both System and/or Custom backups.

Additional features:     (for registered version and 30 day trial period only)

- Custom File Backup and Restore user-defined files (with Drag and Drop support)

- Select directories with or without subdirectories

- Use wildcards to select files

- Tag items to set default restore list

- Explorer-like screen to select files for backup and restore

- Save custom backups in a different directory than system backups (such as a network drive with UNC naming)

- Built-in ZIP support

- Set the backup compression level (0-9)

- Password protect backups (works with WinZip)

- Restore files with or without the stored path

- Overwrite option while restoring (Always, Ask, or Never)

- Override restore options when doing a Custom Restore (instead of a full restore)

- Options to do only System or Custom backups (also available through command line)

- Includes LHA compression (after 30 day trail period unregistered version requires PkZip and PkUnzip)

- Save up to 20 system and 20 custom backups (reduced to 2 system backups after 30-day trail period unless registered)

- Backup scheduling when running from StartUp folder

- Add to/remove from System Agent, StartUp folder, or Desktop at any time

- Easily change the backup schedule from the Options screen

- Lock one or more backups to prevent them from being deleted

- Create a Rescue Disk for when Windows will not start *

Site licenses include:

- Silent install option (no user prompts required)

- Configure default options for install (i.e. add to System Agent, add to StartUp folder, add to StartUp folder if System Agent is not running, etc.)

- Contact JB Systems via e-mail at Aeroblade@aol.com for pricing and additional information

* Windows95/98 only, not available for WindowsNT.

NOTE: After the 30-day trail period, the additional features will be disabled unless the program is registered (click here for details on how to register).  Only the backup portion of the features above will be disabled, the restore options will remain enabled.  LifeSaver will continue to restore any files that were previously backed up, including those with LHA compression or custom files.

You can easily browse through this help file to read about all of the features by pressing the     >>     button at the top of this screen or the   >   key on your keyboard.

!! WARNING - WARNING - WARNING !!

Extreme caution should be exercised when using this program to restore configuration files!  Any modifications made to these files after a backup will be lost.  This software is provided "AS IS".  The author accepts no responsibility for damages occurring as a direct or indirect result of using this software.

Send comments or suggestions to:  Aeroblade@aol.com

Home Page:  http://members.aol.com/aeroblade


Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

- Does LifeSaver work with WinZip?

- Where is the best location to save LifeSaver Backups?

- How often should a backup be made?

- How to view the contents of a backup?

- How to restore files?

- What to do if Windows won’t start.?

- Can LifeSaver be installed more than once on the same computer?

- What is the difference between LHA vs. PkZip compression?

- Why won’t LifeSaver backup custom files or save more than 2 backups?

- How to debug LifeSaver problems?

- Does LifeSaver work with WindowsNT?

- Does LifeSaver work with Task Scheduler?

- Can System and Custom file backups have different schedules?

- Is there a limit to the size of a Custom File backup?

- Does LifeSaver work with ZipMagic?

Q:	Does LifeSaver work with WinZip?

A:	No, LifeSaver will not work with WinZip.  LifeSaver requires LHA or PkZip and PkUnzip for system file backups so that you can restore from the command prompt in case your registry files get corrupt and you can not start Windows (in which case you could not use WinZip or any other Windows-based compression program).  You can use WinZip to check the contents of a backup, and to extract files, even with LHA compression (you need to set the path to in the [Options] [Program Locations...] [LHA:] to:  C:\Program Files\LifeSaver\Lha\Lha.exe).

Q:	Where is the best location to save LifeSaver Backups?

A:	When selecting a path to store system backup files, you may use long directory names, but it is suggested that you use a short directory name for your backup directory. Using a short directory name is easier to find from the command mode in case you can not start windows.

There is no advantage to saving system backups to a floppy because LifeSaver creates backups of your configuration files and is only useful if you can access your hard drive.  The only files you need on a floppy are those required to make a bootable disk.  As long as you can boot from a floppy and get to your hard drive, you can then use LifeSaver to restore your configuration files.  Use the Rescue disk option of LifeSaver to create a bootable disk that can easily restore a system backup.

Custom backup files can be saved in a different directory than the system backups.  They can even be saved on a network drive with password protection for additional safety.

Q:	How often should a backup be made?

A:	The backup frequency depends on how often you make changes to your computer’s configuration by installing new software/hardware or changing system settings.  For most users once or twice a week is sufficient and daily would provide extra protection.  For users who install/test a lot of beta software daily or at startup may be required for maximum protection.  If you backup only one or twice a week it is recommended that you manually create a backup before making any changes to your system.  Remember, when restoring configuration files, all changes made after the backup was made are lost.  Therefore, it is important to keep your backups recent.

Q:	How to view the contents of a backup?

A:	You can see the contents of a backup by clicking on it in the backup list with the right mouse button.  You can even restore a file by clicking on it (see quick restore for more details). To view the contents of a custom backup click on the Custom restore button.  You can navigate through the directories and see the files on the right (click the Cancel button if you do not wish to perform a custom restore).

Q:	How to restore files?

A:	The easiest way to restore files is to do so from Windows.  You can select which files to restore and where to restore them to from the Options screen.  If you choose to restore to an alternate directory you can compare the files without overwriting your current configuration files.  To restore a single file without changing the restore options just right-click on the backup and select the file to restore (the location is the same as specified in the Options screen, see quick restore for details).  To restore only custom files, click on the Custom tab and then press the Restore button.

Q:	What to do if Windows won’t start?

A:	To restore your configuration files after they have become corrupt and Windows will not start, you must restore from the command prompt.  If you created a LifeSaver Rescue Disk, follow these steps:

1. Boot from the Rescue Disk

2. Press Y or N then <Enter>

2a. Y – To copy Win95 system files if the boot disk does not start properly

2b. N – To start restoring without copying Win95 system files

3. Press <Enter> to start restoring

4. Restart your computer

Otherwise, follow these steps:

1. Start the computer in the command prompt mode

1a. When you see the Starting Windows 95... message press the [F8] key

1b. Select the Safe mode command prompt only option

2. Go to the backup directory

3. Type:  Restore <Enter>

4. Restart your computer

(see restoring files from the command prompt (DOS) mode with self-generating batch file for details)

Q:	Can LifeSaver be installed more than once on the same computer?

A:	Yes, you can run multiple copies of LifeSaver as long as each is installed in a different directory, and they each have different backup paths.  Each copy can then have a different scheduling frequency (i.e. one can run at startup while the other can run weekly).  This can be useful if you do not want to use the same schedule for system and custom file backups.  To set the schedule of a second copy of LifeSaver, you will have to manually add it to your StartUp folder, System Agent, or Task Scheduler.  Note:  Changing the scheduling options within LifeSaver should only be done for one copy, all other copies should be changed manually.

Q:	What is the difference between LHA vs. PkZip compression?

A:	As far as LifeSaver is concerned there is no difference.  Both provide the same functionality for all of the features supported by LifeSaver.  PkZip is faster and more widely used than LHA, but LHA is freeware and PkZip is not.  Users who continue to use PkZip should purchase a registered copy of PkZip and PkUnzip.  Neither program is required to make custom file backups, LifeSaver uses built in ZIP compression for custom files.

Q:	Why won’t LifeSaver backup custom files or save more than 2 backups?

A:	LifeSaver has not been registered and the 30-day trial period is over.  These features are only available to registered users.  There is a 30-day trial period to see if you find these features useful enough to register.

Q:	How to debug LifeSaver problems?

A:	If LifeSaver is not functioning properly there may be a problem with the Lha or PkZip shelled process. To see if there are any error messages in the DOS shelled process, run LifeSaver with the /vo command line option using the following steps:

- Click on the Windows 95 [Start] button,

- Select [Run],

- Type (including quotes):  "C:\Program Files\LifeSaver\LifeSaver.exe" /vo

- Start a backup and check the DOS window for messages.

For details refer to the command line options.

Q:	Does LifeSaver work with WindowsNT?

A:	Only the custom file backup portion of LifeSaver works with WindowsNT4.  The system file backup and Rescue disk only work with Windows95/98.

Q:	Does LifeSaver work with Task Scheduler?

A:	Yes LifeSaver does work with Task Scheduler.  You just need to remember to add the /b, /a, /s, or /c command line option to create a backup.  Task Scheduler is a scheduling program from Microsoft that is part of the Windows98 operating system, or an add-on to Internet Explorer 4.0.  To add LifeSaver to Task Scheduler:

- Open a Windows Explorer window,

- Go to the LifeSaver LifeSaver directory (i.e. C:\Program Files\LifeSaver)

- Click on the LifeSaver.exe file

- Drag-and-drop it into the Scheduled Tasks folder

- Go to the Scheduled Tasks folder

- Right-click on LifeSaver

- Select Properties...

- Add /b to the Run: command

Old -> "C:\Program Files\LifeSaver\LifeSaver.exe"

New -> "C:\Program Files\LifeSaver\LifeSaver.exe" /b

- Press the OK button.

- Set the schedule using the Schedule tab.

Q:	Can System and Custom file backups have different schedules?

A:	LifeSaver does not support different schedules for system file and custom file backups through the interface, but you can manually add LifeSaver to a scheduling program and use the /s command line option to schedule system backups and the /c command line option to schedule custom backups.  You can also install two copies of LifeSaver on the same computer and use one copy to make system backups and the other copy to make custom backups.

Q:	Is there a limit to the size of a Custom File backup?

A:	A custom file backup can not have more than 32,000 files or 2GB of files per drive.  The total for all the drives can exceed these limits, but each drive can not exceed the limits.  Therefore, LifeSaver should not be used to backup an entire drive that is more than 2GB.  If you need to backup an entire drive larger than 2GB you may want to purchase a tape backup.  LifeSaver should be used to backup any user files that can not be easily replaced, and is not intended to backup applications that can be easily re-installed.

Q:	Does LifeSaver work with ZipMagic?

A:	Yes, LifeSaver does work with ZipMagic, but you MUST add LifeSaver to Applications exclusion list if you are using custom backups.  If you use Zip compression for system backups instead of using LHA compression, then you must disable ZipMagic or check the 'MS-DOS prompt sees Zip files as files (not as folders)' option when you restore system backups.  If you do not follow these steps then LifeSaver will not function properly with ZIP files.  You can use ZipMagic to restore files, but it can not be used to create backups.  After upgrading LifeSaver you MUST reset the ZipMagic exclude list.  To reset the list you can go to the ZipMagic properties and select Applications, click the Add button, click the Done button, and then click the OK button.  You can also turn the list off and then back on, unload ZipMagic and reload it, or restart your computer.  Disabling and re-enabling ZipMagic will not work.


General Information

LifeSaver can save up to 20 system backups and 20 custom backups (up to 2 of each for unregistered users after 30 days).  To set number of backups to save click the Options button.  Once the maximum number of backups is reached, each additional backup will cause the oldest unlocked backup to be deleted automatically.  The old backups are deleted to help conserve disk space.

When selecting a path to store system backup files, you may use long directory names, but it is suggested that you use a short directory name for your backup directory so that you can easily find it from the command mode in case you can not start windows.  Custom file backups can be saved into a different directory than the system file backups, including network drives.

The list of previous backups uses the backup name, to find out the file name or contents right-click on the backup from the previous backup list (see Quick restore).  By right-clicking on a backup you can: change the sort order, rename a backup, delete a backup, see the contents of that backup, select file(s) to restore, or view the properties of the backup.  You can click on a column header to change the sort order, and click on it again to reverse the order.  You can also resize the widths of the columns to accommodate your backup names.

Click on the tabs to select if you want to use All, System, or Custom backups.  For Example:  To create a System backup, click on the System tab and then press the Backup button.  To restore a Custom backup, click on the Custom tab, select a backup and press the Restore button.

The file name for a system file backup will have the format Backup##.ext, where ## can go from 00-99 and will wrap after reaching 99, and ext is lzh (for LHA compression) or zip (for PkZip compression). The file name for a custom file backup will have the format Cust##?.zip, where ## can go from 00-99 and will wrap after reaching 99, and ? is the drive letter of the backup (i.e. Cust07C.zip is the name of a custom file backup from drive C:).  A different file is used for each drive to maintain compatibility with other ZIP compression utilities, which do not save the drive letter in the archive.

  Related Topics


Configuration Files
Configuration Files (Win95/98 Only)

LifeSaver program will backup up and restore up to eight default system configuration files.  These files are grouped as follows:

- Windows registry information (System.dat, User.dat)

- Windows configuration information (Msdos.sys, Protocol.ini, System.ini, Win.ini)

- DOS configuration information (Autoexec.bat, Config.sys)

Use the Options screen to select which files to backup and restore. By right-clicking on a backup, in the list of previous backups, you can see the contents of that backup and perform a quick restore.

  Related Topics


Options - System

System File Backup File Path

Set the path where the system backup files will be stored.

When selecting a path to store backup files, you may use long directory names, but it is suggested that you use short directory names for your backup directory so that you can easily find it from the command mode in case you can not start windows (i.e. C:\BACKUP).

Custom files can be saved in a different directory specified in the Backup Options for Custom Files in the Custom tab.

Max Saved System File Backups

The maximum number of system backup files that will be stored.  The maximum number of custom backups to keep is set in the Custom tab.

This number can range from 1-20 (for registered users, up to 2 for non-registered users after the trial period expires).  Once the maximum number of backups is reached, each additional backup will cause the oldest unlocked backup to be deleted automatically.  The old backups are deleted to help conserve disk space.

System File Compression Type/Path

Select the type of compression to use for system backups, and the path where the required files are located.  Custom backups use internal ZIP compression and ignore this setting.

  Related Topics


Options - Custom
Options - Custom (registered version only)

Backup Options for Custom Files

Set the backup options for custom files only.

You can save custom file backups in a different path than the system backups.  They can even be saved on a network drive using UNC naming.  Check the Same as System File Path option to keep the custom file backups in the same path as the system backups.

Set the compression level for custom backups (0-9).  0 has no compression, 1 has the least compression and is the fastest while using compression, and 9 has the most compression and is the slowest, 6 is the default.

Click on the Select Files... button to select which custom files to backup.  This is the same as the Select... button in the Backup tab of the Options screen.

Max Saved Custom File Backups

The maximum number of system backup files that will be stored.  The maximum number of custom backups to keep is set in the System tab.

This number can range from 1-20 (for registered users, up to 2 for non-registered users after the trial period expires).  Once the maximum number of backups is reached, each additional backup will cause the oldest unlocked backup to be deleted automatically.  The old backups are deleted to help conserve disk space.

Restore Options for Custom Files

Set the restore options for custom files only.

The Use stored folders option only applies when restoring to an alternate directory.  It determines if the original directory structure should be restored to the alternate directory, or if all the files should be restored into the same directory.

The Overwrite option determines what LifeSaver will do when restoring a file that already exists.  When the Ask option is used, LifeSaver will ask what to do with each file that will overwrite an existing file.  You will also be asked to overwrite all or none at that time, so that you do not need to respond to each file.  Always will always overwrite the file, and Never will never overwrite the file.

Password for Custom Files

Set a password to use for custom files.  The password is used for both backing up and restoring.  Check the Save Password option to remember your password the next time you run LifeSaver.  If you do not save your password, you will be prompted for a password while restoring if a password was used for the backup.

Make sure you remember your password, if you do not save your password there is no way to restore your custom files without remembering your password.  JB Systems can NOT help you determine lost passwords!

  Related Topics


Options - Backup

System Files

Select the system files to backup.

Unchecking a group is a quick way to not include any of the files in that group in your backups.

All the files that are checked are used in a backup when you click on the Backup button on the main screen, or select [Action][Backup] from the menu on the main screen.

Registered Users Only

You may select folders and/or files for a custom backup by clicking on the Select... button.  See Custom Files for additional information on selecting files for custom backups.

The menu on the main screen has an [Action][Backup] option near the bottom with the following choices:

All Files - Backup all selected system files and all custom files in the custom file backup list.

System Files - Backup all selected system files and no custom files.

Custom Files - Backup all custom files in the custom file backup list and no system files.

  Related Topics


Options - Restore

System Files

Select the system files to restore.

Unchecking a group is a quick way to not include any of the files in that group when you restore.  Since each backup may contain different files, only files contained in that backup and are selected for restoring will be restored.  These options are overridden when a user directly selects which file(s) to restore by using the Quick restore option.

To restore all the custom files check the All custom files box on the Restore tab.  To restore some of the custom files do not check the All custom files box, but keep the Custom file group checked.  You will be prompted during the restore process to select which custom files to restore (because each backup can have different custom files).

When selecting custom files to backup, you can tag files in the Restore column so that those entries will be automatically added to list of files to restore.  You can still delete or add files during a restore process.

Alternate Restore Path

Select an alternate path to restore the files.

All files can be restored into an alternate directory.  This allows you to look at previous configuration files without overwriting the current files.  You can even restore to a directory over a network.  This path is used for both system files and custom files.  If you do a Custom Restore, then you will be given the option to temporarily override the default alternate path for that restore.

  Related Topics


Options - Add To / Schedule
 Options - Add To / Schedule (registered version only)

Check to add a LifeSaver backup to System Agent and/or to the StartUp folder, and click on the corresponding Schedule button to modify the available schedule options.  You can also add a shortcut to LifeSaver to your desktop.  Unchecking an option will remove LifeSaver from the specified location.

System Agent

Add or delete a LifeSaver backup from System Agent (if running).  By pressing the schedule button you can select which days System Agent should run a backup (you must select at least one day).  You can also set what time System Agent should start a backup.  If the computer was not on at the start time, System Agent will try to run it as soon as possible.

StartUp folder

Add or delete a LifeSaver backup from your StartUp folder.  By pressing the schedule button you can select how often a backup should be run when LifeSaver is added to the StartUp folder, and the delay time from 0-999 seconds (This allows other programs in the StartUp folder to finish starting before creating a backup.  Some computers may have problems creating a backup while certain programs are starting.)  The options for selecting how often to run a backup from your StartUp folder include:

Every time will run every time the computer is started.

Daily will run once a day,

Weekly will run on a specific day of the week, and

Every X Days will run once every X days where X can go from 1-10.

This schedule sets the maximum time between backups.  If your computer is not restarted (or turned on) when the next backup is scheduled to run, then a backup will be created the next time the computer is restarted.  If the computer stays on all the time, and is never restarted, then you should run LifeSaver from a scheduling program such as System Agent.

Desktop

Add or delete a shortcut to LifeSaver on your Desktop.

  Related Topics


Custom Files
Custom Files (registered version only)

LifeSaver can backup up to 2GB of custom data per drive.  LifeSaver should be used to backup any user files that can not be easily replaced, and is not intended to backup applications that can be easily re-installed.

The following information describes the custom file screen used for selecting custom files for a backup or restoring.  To select custom files for a backup click on the Select... button of the Backup tab in the Options screen, or click on the Select Files... button of the Custom tab in the Options screen.  To select files to restore click on the Custom restore button on the main screen.  You will also see this screen if you are doing a full restore of a backup containing custom files and do not have the All custom files option checked in the Restore tab of the Options screen.

Available Files

Displays the folders and files available for adding to a backup or to restore.  Drag-and-drop a folder or files to add it to the list below.  You can also click on the Add Folder or Add File(s) buttons below, or right-click and select add.  You can also drag-and-drop folders and/or files from a Windows Explorer window.  Mapped network drives are available for selecting (UNC naming is not available).

File(s) to Backup/Restore

List of folders and files to use for future backups or to restore.  Double-click to toggle the Subdirs option, which will backup all subdirectories under a folder.  Double-click the Restore column (only available while selecting files to backup) to add those folders or files to the restore list.  These items will automatically be selected when you are prompted to select files to restore.  You can add to list using drag-and-drop from the folders or files above, or from any Windows Explorer window.

Add Folder - to add the selected folder in the tree above to the user list.

Add File(s) - to add the selected file(s) from the list above to the list.

Wildcard - to add a user define wildcard to the user list.  The default will start with the currently selected item in the list.  Example:  To include all ini files in the Windows directory add  C:\Windows\*.ini

Subdirs - to toggle if all subdirectories of the selected items from the user list should be used.

Restore - to toggle if all the selected items from the user list should be added to the custom file restore list.  Items with the Restore option enabled will be automatically added to the list of folders/files to restore when performing a custom file restore.  This list can still be changed before the restore is started.

Delete - to delete selected items from the user list.

Options (only available during a custom restore)

The Options button will only be displayed during a Custom Restore, to modify the settings for that restore only and will not change the default values.

Use Alternate Path - to restore the selected files to a path that is different from their original location (including drives).  Click on the Browse... button to change the path.

Use stored folders - to determine if the original directory structure should be restored to the alternate directory, or if all the files should be restored into the same directory.

The Overwrite option determines what LifeSaver will do when restoring a file that already exists.  When the Ask option is used, LifeSaver will ask what to do with each file that will overwrite an existing file.  You will also be asked to overwrite all or none at that time, so that you do not need to respond to each file.

  Related Topics


Command Line Options

LifeSaver can be run from the command line which enables it to be run from scheduling programs such as Microsoft’s System Agent included in the Plus! Pack, or Task Scheduler which comes with Windows 98 or as an add-on to Internet Explorer 4.  This way you can regularly backup your configuration files without manually running the program, and you can be sure that you can recover files no more than a day old (if you backup once a day).

Command Line Options:

/b [backup name] [/d###]

This will create a new backup using the settings from the Options screen.  If a backup name is omitted, then the default name will be used (the file name without the extension i.e. Backup25).

Registered users only (/a, /s, /c)

/a [backup name] [/d###] - Backup All (System and Custom) Files

/s [backup name] [/d###] - Backup System Files Only

/c [backup name] [/d###] - Backup Custom Files Only

The /d option is to set a delay, in seconds, before starting the backup.  Where ### is the number of seconds to delay the backup.  This option is helpful when running LifeSaver from the StartUp folder, where you may want to make sure all the programs in the StartUp folder have started before making a backup.  The /d command is optional.  Registered users can easily change the backup delay time in the StartUp folder by changing the StartUp schedule in the Add To / Schedule Options tab.

When a LifeSaver backup is started with the /d option, it can be canceled by pressing the [Esc] key after clicking on LifeSaver in the Windows 95 Taskbar.

Example:  To start a system backup with a 60 second delay, the command should look like:

"C:\Program Files\LifeSaver\LifeSaver.exe" /s /d60

Debug Options for System backups:

/v  -	To view the DOS shelled process.

/vo -	To view the DOS shelled process and remain open until closed by the user.

  Related Topics


Backup Now

The Backup Now icons in the LifeSaver program group will create a backup using the default backup name and options.  The user should be sure to set all of the required program options prior to using the Backup Now shortcut.

The Backup Now - All Files shortcut uses the /a command line option to create a system and custom backup.

The Backup Now - System Files shortcut uses the /s command line option to create a system backup.

The Backup Now - Custom Files shortcut uses the /c command line option to create a custom backup.

  Related Topics


Locking a Backup
Locking a Backup (registered version only)

Locking a backup will prevent LifeSaver from deleting it when a new backup is created.  You may lock up to one less than the number of Max Saved Backups.  By locking a backup you can permanently save configurations which you do not want to delete.

To Lock a backup select Action from the menu and then Lock, or right-click on a backup and select Lock.

  Related Topics


Rescue Disk
Rescue Disk (registered version only, Win95/98 only)

A LifeSaver Rescue Disk is used to start your computer from a floppy drive and automatically use your LifeSaver backup to restore your system configuration files stored on your hard disk.  The Rescue Disk will also allow you to copy the Windows system files to your hard drive if you are having problems accessing your boot drive.

Creating a LifeSaver Rescue Disk makes it easier to restore your configuration files from the command prompt if Windows does not start.  You only need to create a Rescue Disk once, and update it if you change your backup file path.

To create a LifeSaver Rescue Disk follow these steps:

1. Click on the Rescue button or select Rescue from the Action menu

2. Press the OK button to continue after reading the instructions

3. Press the Start button to copy the system files

4. Press the Close button when finished to copy startup files

5. Label the diskette “LifeSaver Rescue Disk” when finished

To restore with the LifeSaver Rescue Disk follow these steps:

1. Boot from the Rescue Disk

2. Press Y or N then <Enter>

2a. Y – To copy Win95 system files if the boot disk does not start properly

2b. N – To start restoring without copying Win95 system files

3. Press <Enter> to start restoring

4. Restart your computer

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Command Prompt Mode
Command Prompt Mode (Win95/98 only)

Using DOS based programs to compress and uncompress the files allows the user to restore these files from the command prompt without starting windows.  Therefore, configuration files can be restored even if Windows can not be started

To make it easier to restore files from the command prompt, LifeSaver automatically generates a Restore.bat file in the backup directory.

The usage for Restore.bat is:  Restore [backup name]

Example: Restore Backup05

If the backup name is left blank then the program will restore your files using the most recent backup.

To use the Restore.bat from the command prompt mode:

1. Start the computer in the command prompt mode

1a. When you see the Starting Windows 95... message press the [F8] key

1b. Select the Safe mode command prompt only option

2. Go to the backup directory

3. Type:  Restore <Enter>

4. Restart your computer

Note:	LifeSaver will only restore the default system configuration files from the command prompt and not any custom files.  The Restore.bat file will restore the files you need to start Windows, where you can then restore your custom files.

New in Version 3.40

If you created a LifeSaver Rescue Disk, then simply

1. Boot from the Rescue Disk

2. Press Y or N then <Enter>

2a. Y – To copy Win95 system files if the boot disk does not start properly

2b. N – To start restoring without copying Win95 system files

3. Press <Enter> to start restoring

4. Restart your computer

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Quick Restore

You can see the contents of a backup by clicking on it in the backup list with the right mouse button and then selecting Restore.  You can then restore a file by clicking on it.  You can also select to restore all of the custom files (if there are any), or all of the files in the backup.  The file(s) will be restored to their default directory or to an alternate directory depending on what you selected in the options screen.

While you navigate through the list of files in a backup, the restore location for the selected file will be displayed in the status bar of the LifeSaver screen.

To view the contents of a custom backup click on the Custom restore button or the Custom... menu option in the quick restore menu.  You can navigate through the directories on the left and see the files on the right (click the Cancel button if you do not wish to perform a custom restore).

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Enhanced Reliability

To enhance the backup reliability, LifeSaver now checks the contents of each backup upon completion to verify that it contains all of the requested files.

LifeSaver also checks for temp disk space before backing up to ensure all of the files can be copied before compressing them.  Files are copied and then compressed to make sure that they are not accessed during the compression process.

Prior to restoring, a list of files to be restored is displayed to allow you to identify any files you may not want to restore.

New in Version 2.20

LifeSaver now automatically makes sure the registry files contain all updated information before they are backed up.  Prior to version 2.20 the help file stated “The safest way to back up the registry files is to do so immediately after starting Windows.”  This is no longer required to assure a safe backup.

Restoring registry files from within Windows is now more reliable, although restoring them from the command prompt is the safest method and should be used if there are any problems restoring them from Windows.

LifeSaver checks for conflicts with your “temp” directory to make sure there will not be any problems while backing up or restoring.

New in Version 2.30

LifeSaver can now restore the registry files from within Windows.  If Windows fails to restart properly then restore from the command prompt.

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Requires
Requirements

This program requires Windows 95/98 or NT4.  Not all of the features work with WinNT including system file backups, and creating a rescue diskette.

If you want to use PkZip compression for system file backups with LifeSaver instead of LHA compression, you must use PkZip and PkUnzip version 2.04g.  After the trial period has expired, unregistered users must use PkZip compression.  Registered users may continue to use the LHA compression that comes with LifeSaver.

You MUST have the following VB5 and MFC40 runtime files (or newer) before installing/running LifeSaver.  You can get these files from JB Systems at:  http://members.aol.com/aerofiles3/vb5mfc40.exe

Asycfilt.dll	v 2.20.4118

Comcat.dll	v 4.71

Oleaut32.dll	v 2.20.4118

Olepro32.dll	v 5.0.4118

Stdole2.tlb	v 2.20.4118

Mfc40.dll	v 4.1.6038

Msvcrt40.dll	v 4.10.6038

Msvbvm50.dll	v 05.00.4319

Note:  These files are part of the Windows 98 operating system, and only need to be installed by Win95 or WinNT users who do not already have the required version(s).

LHA is copyrighted by Haruyasu Yoshizaki.

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Registration Information

The cost of registering LifeSaver is US$28 (without diskettes).  The cost of registering LifeSaver with diskettes is US$40 + S&H, and is only available through Bytech Business Systems (see instructions below).

Registered users of LifeSaver, prior to v4.0, can upgrade for US$15, and must contact JB Systems at aeroblade@aol.com for instructions, or go to the JB Systems web site at http://members.aol.com/aeroblade and fill out a request form.

To register LifeSaver by postal mail (without diskettes) send US$28 to:

    JB Systems

    4880-8 Dorsey Hall Dr.

    Ellicott City, MD 21042

    USA

Be sure to include the name you want to register (case sensitive), and an e-mail address for a faster response.

To register LifeSaver (without diskettes) on the Internet with a credit card contact:

    Albert's Ambry

    http://www.alberts.com

    Search for: lifesavr.exe

    Click on the "Buy It" Hotlink to register.

To register LifeSaver (with or without diskettes) by phone or Fax with Visa or MasterCard contact:

    Bytech Business Systems

    914-354-8666 Voice (9am to 5pm USA Eastern Time, Monday-Friday)

    914-354-5433 Fax

    E-mail:  Tools4You@aol.com

Technical support is provided by JB Systems at Aeroblade@aol.com ONLY, and is NOT provided by Bytech Business Systems or Albert's Ambry.

After you receive your registration code, go to the menu and select “Help” then “About...” and type in your name and code (both are case sensitive).

The unregistered version of LifeSaver may be used for personal use only, and may only be distributed with all of its original files.  LifeSaver may not be used in any commercial, governmental, or educational institutions without the purchase of a site-license from JB Systems at the address above.

LifeSaver includes a 30-day trial period to evaluate the additional features and to determine if you want to register.  Once you receive a registration code there will be NO REFUNDS.  To see how many days are left in the trial period, go to the menu and select 'Help' then 'About...'.

Copyright © 1995-1998 Jeffrey A. Becker

E-mail address: Aeroblade@aol.com

Home Page: http://members.aol.com/aeroblade

  Related Topics


Requires
Version History

v4.00 8/1/98

-	New Custom file backup support including:

-	Select directories with or without subdirectories.

-	Use wildcards to select files.

-	Explorer-like screen to select files for backup and restore.

-	Tag items to set default restore list.

-	Save custom backups in a different directory than system backups (such as a network drive with UNC naming).

-	Built-in ZIP support.

-	Set the backup compression level (0-9).

-	Password protect backups (works with WinZip).

-	Restore files with or without the stored path.

-	Overwrite option while restoring (Always, Ask, or Never).

-	Override restore options when doing a Custom Restore (instead of a full restore).

-	Options to do only System or Custom backups (also available through command line).

-	View backup Properties to see backup file name(s) and path(s).

-	Updated interface (flat toolbar, arrows on backup list when sorting).

V3.50 6/19/98

-	Create a new subdirectory while browsing using the [Insert] key.

-	Fixed path length check (long paths may cause LifeSaver to lock up during a backup).

-	Fixed missing files when using LHA compression on some computers.

-	Fixed "Unexpected Error" message when starting LifeSaver on some computers.

-	Fixed problem with saving version number in INI file using a comma instead of a period.

-	Fixed Zip/Lha warning when setting options.

v3.42 2/15/98

-	Fixed startup scheduling problem when delay is set to 0 (previous versions created a backup every time).

v3.41 1/4/98

-	Fixed "File not found" error while creating a new Rescue Disk.

v3.40 1/2/98

-	Create a Rescue Disk for when Windows will not start.

-	Added Msdos.sys to list of default system files.

-	Increased maximum number of backups from 10 to 20.

-	Added Version History to help file.

-	Changed weekly StartUp schedule to run on a specific day of the week (instead of every 7 days).

-	Fixed bug when setting System Agent options and LifeSaver is not installed in the default location.

-	Fixed problem when default PkZip options includes the path.

-	Added additional error checking while reading LifeSaver.ini file.

-	Modified some toolbar icons.

v3.30 7/8/97

-	Lock one or more backups to prevent them from being deleted.

-	Fixed internal date format to work with non-US formats (i.e. dd/mm/yy).

-	Fixed scheduling problem at startup due to time rounding.

-	Fixed wrapping text for some fonts.

v3.20 4/17/97

-	New install program (smaller, faster, more reliable, single executable).

-	Backup scheduling when running from StartUp folder.

-	Add to/remove from System Agent, StartUp folder, or Desktop at any time.

-	Easily change the backup schedule from the Options screen.

-	Added link to JB Systems Web page in help menu.

-	Register on the internet.

v3.01 3/1/97

-	Fixed GPF error while loading LifeSaver on some computers caused by problems with some Matrox video drivers and MS Office 97.

-	Fixed error while exiting during a delayed backup countdown.

-	Updated LHA compression to prevent backups from stopping on some computers.

-	Improved toolbar pictures for 256 color displays (now same as >256 colors).

v3.00 2/1/97

-	New Interface!

-	User selectable Toolbar, Status Bar, and backup sort order.

-	Resizable screen for long backup names.

-	Rename backups at any time.

-	Enhanced on-line documentation (added contents file, and Win95 formatting).

-	Fixed problem with user defined date formats.

-	Fixed problem registering with some non-English versions of Win95.

v2.31 11/03/96

-	Fixed false warning for missing files in backup.

-	Fixed false warning for LHA version when files dated from Beta6.

-	Fixed overlapping text in status screen for some video drivers.

v2.30 10/10/96

-	Includes support for LHA compression (doesn't need pkzip).

-	Safe registry restores from Windows.

-	Install can add LifeSaver to: System Agent, StartUp folder, or Desktop.

-	Added Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to on-line help.

-	30 day trial period for additional features (which are disabled unless registered).

-	Site licenses include:

-	Silent install option (no user prompts).

-	Configure default options for install (i.e. add to System Agent, add to StartUp folder, add to StartUp folder if System Agent is not running, etc.).

-	Added delayed backup command line argument (prevent conflicts with other programs in the StartUp folder).

-	New install program (can set System Agent schedule, smaller, more flexible).

-	Install checks if System Agent is running to set default install options.

-	Replaced TabCtl32.ocx with ComCtl32.ocx because Sheridan/Microsoft did not fix bug in a newer version of TabCtl32.ocx(v4.01) which caused the following error:

    "Run-time error '429': You do not have an appropriate license to use this functionality"

v2.20 7/29/96

-	Added backup file name to the Quick Restore menu.

-	Added "Backup Now" shortcut to LifeSaver program group (new installs must set the program options before using "Backup Now").

-	Enhanced reliability.

-	Automatically update registry information before backup.

-	Safer registry restores from Windows.

-	Check "temp" directory for conflicts.

v2.01  7/25/96

-	New install script.

-	Split compressed file to fit on 1.44MB floppies.

v2.00  7/07/96

-	Added capability to add up to 10 user defined files (with Drag and Drop support).

-	Enhanced Quick Restore option.

-	Enhanced reliability of backups.

-	Fixed problem when WinBootDir is different from WinDir.

-	Checks if command line argument is too long for DOS shell.

v1.05  4/07/96

-	Fixed "Error loading from file" error on some computers with OCX conflicts.

-	Use command.com in Win95 directory first to fix potential problem with multi-boot systems.

-	Check Pk file version for 2.04g.

v1.04  3/11/96

-	Includes all required runtime DLLs (doesn't need VB4_32.ZIP).

-	Fixed minor bug in install script.

v1.03  2/20/96

-	Added shorcut for command.com (no shortcut caused DOS screen to appear on some machines).

v1.02  2/11/96

-	Fixed bug which may cause LifeSaver to lock up on some machines.

-	Added 2 debug command line options.

v1.01  2/3/96

-	Copy files before compressing to make sure they are not modified.

-	Alphabetize files within each group.

v1.00  12/3/95

-	Initial release.


Backup name for the next Backup.  The backup name can be any text that the user wants to use to describe the backup, and will default to Backup##, where ## can go from 00-99 and will wrap after reaching 99.  To find out the actual file name(s) of a previous backup right-click on the backup from the list below and select Properties...


List of previous backup names to restore from.  By right-clicking on a backup you can: change the sort order, rename a backup, delete a backup, see the system file contents of that backup, select file(s) to restore, or view the properties of the backup.  You can click on a column header to change the sort order, and click on it again to reverse the order.  You can also resize the widths of the columns to accommodate your backup names.

Click on the tabs to select if you want to use All, System, or Custom backups.  For Example:  To create a System backup, click on the System tab and then press the Backup button.  To restore a Custom backup, click on the Custom tab, select a backup and press the Restore button.


Date and time of currently selected backup.


Version/Registration information about this program.


Backup using the file name and description on left.


Restore using the currently selected backup.


Delete the currently selected backup.


Set the Backup/Restore options.


Stop using this fabulous program.


Open the LifeSaver help file.


Location to store the system backup files.  Custom file backups can be stored in a different directory, which can be set in the Custom tab.  You may use long directory names, but it is suggested that you use a short directory name for your backup directory so that you can easily find it from the command mode in case you can not start windows.


The maximum number of system backups to save.  The maximum number of custom backups can be set independently in the Custom tab.  This number can range from 1-20.  Once the maximum number of backups is reached, each additional backup will cause the oldest backup to be deleted automatically.  The old backups are deleted to help conserve disk space.


Select the type of compression and location of the LHA or PkZip and PkUnzip files to use while creating system file backups.  You must have these files to create a system file backup. Using these DOS based programs to compress and uncompress the files allows the user to restore these files from the command prompt without starting windows, which means the configuration files can be restored even if Windows can not be started.

This option is not used for custom files.  Custom files use built-in code to create zip compatible backups.


Select which system files you wish to save in future backups (until you change them here).  Unchecking a group is a quick way to not include any of the files in that group in your backups.


Select which custom files you wish to save in future backups (until you change them here).


Select which type of backup to create when performing a scheduled backup using the /b command-line option (this is the option LifeSaver uses when adding LifeSaver to the StartUp folder or System Agent).  Backup either All Files, System Files Only, or Custom Files Only.


Select which system files you wish to restore in the all future restores (until you change them here).  Unchecking a group is a quick way to not include any of the files in that group when you restore.  Since each backup may contain different files, only files contained in that backup and are selected for restoring will be restored.  These options are overridden when a user directly selects which file(s) to restore by right-clicking on the list of backups to restore from.


Restore all custom files, or you will be prompted during the restore process to select which custom files to restore.

You can set the default list of files to restore by checking the Restore column while selecting which files to use for custom backups.


Choose an alternate path to restore to.  All files will be restored to this location if Use Alternate Path is selected.  This allows you to look at previous files without overwriting the current files.


Set the backup options for custom files only.

You can save custom file backups in a different path than the system backups.  They can even be saved on a network drive using UNC naming.  To keep the custom file backups in the same path as the system backups, check the Same as System File Path option.

Choose a compression level for custom backups (0-9).  0 has no compression, 1 has the least compression and is the fastest while using compression, and 9 has the most compression and is the slowest, 6 is the default.

Click on the Select Files... button to select which custom files to backup.


The maximum number of custom backups to save.  The maximum number of system backups can be set independently in the System tab.  Check the Same as System File Max option if you want to save the same number of system and custom backups.  This number can range from 1-20.  Once the maximum number of backups is reached, each additional backup will cause the oldest backup to be deleted automatically.  The old backups are deleted to help conserve disk space.


Set the restore options for custom files only.

The Use stored folders option only applies when restoring to an alternate directory.  It determines if the original directory structure should be restored to the alternate directory, or if all the files should be restored into the same directory.

The Overwrite option determines what LifeSaver will do when restoring a file that already exists.  When the Ask option is used, LifeSaver will ask what to do with each file that will overwrite an existing file.  You will also be asked to overwrite all or none at that time, so that you do not need to respond to each file.


Set a password to use for custom files.  The password is used for both backing up and restoring.  Check the Save Password option to remember your password the next time you run LifeSaver.  If you do not save your password, you will be prompted for a password  while restoring if a password was used for the backup.

Make sure you remember your password, if you do not save your password there is no way to restore your custom files without remembering your password.  JB Systems can NOT help you determine lost passwords!


Check to add a LifeSaver backup to System Agent and/or to the StartUp folder, and click on the corresponding Schedule... button to modify the available schedule options.  You can also add a shortcut to LifeSaver to your desktop.  Unchecking an option will remove LifeSaver from the specified location.


Double-click or press the <Enter> key to select a path.  Press the <Insert> key to create a new directory under the current path.


List of files which start with Pk in the current path.  This is to help you find where the PkZip and PkUnzip files are located.


List of custom files to backup.  You may select up to 10 files to backup by clicking the Add button, or dragging and dropping files from a file list.


List of custom files which are in the backup you are restoring from.  Select which files to restore from this list by clicking on the file(s) while holding down the <Ctrl> key.


Add files to the custom file list.  You can also add files by dragging and dropping files from a file list.


Select all of the custom files to restore.


Delete the selected files from the custom file list.


Do not select any of the custom files to restore.


Number of custom files in the list.


Number of custom files to restore / number of files in the list.


Select which days System Agent should run a backup.  You must select at least one day.


Set what time System Agent should start a backup.  If the computer was not on at the start time, System Agent will try to run it as soon as possible.


Select how often a backup should be run when LifeSaver is added to the StartUp folder.

Every time will run every time the computer is started.

Daily will run once a day,

Weekly will run on a specific day of the week, and

Every X Days will run once every X days where X can go from 1-10.

This schedule sets the maximum time between backups.  If your computer is not restarted (or turned on) when the next backup is scheduled to run, then a backup will be created the next time the computer is restarted.  If the computer stays on all the time, and is never restarted, then you should run LifeSaver from a scheduling program such as System Agent.


StartUp delay from 0-999 seconds.  This allows other programs in the StartUp folder to finish starting before creating a backup.  Some computers may have problems creating a backup while certain programs are starting.


Folders and files available for adding to a backup.  Mapped network drives are available for selecting.  Drag-and-drop a folder or files to add it to the list below.  You can also click on the Add Folder or Add File(s) buttons below, or right-click and select add.


Folders and files available for restoring from this backup.  Drag-and-drop a folder or files to add it to the list below.  You can also click on the Add Folder or Add File(s) buttons below, or right-click and select add.


List of folders and files to use for future backups.  Double-click to toggle the Subdirs option, which will backup all subdirectories under a folder.  Double-click the Restore column to add those folders or files to the restore list.

You can add to list using drag-and-drop from the folders or files above, or from any Windows Explorer screen.

Use the buttons on the bottom to add items to the list or change their state.


List of folders and files to restore from this backup.  Double-click to toggle the Subdirs option, which will restore all subdirectories under a folder.

You can add to list using drag-and-drop from the folders or files above, or from any Windows Explorer screen.

Use the buttons on the bottom to add items to the list or change their state.


Add the selected folder in the top of the screen to the list above.


Add the selected file(s) in the top of the screen to the list above.


Add a user define wildcard to the list above.  The default will start with the currently selected item in the list.

Example:  To include all ini files in the Windows directory add  C:\Windows\*.ini


Toggle if all subdirectories of the selected items from the above list should be used.


Toggle if all the selected items from the above list should be added to the custom file restore list.

Items with the Restore option enabled will be automatically added to the list of folders/files to restore when performing a custom file restore.  This list can still be changed before the restore is started.


Delete selected items from the above list.


Display/Hide restore options for restoring these files.


Restore options for restoring these files.  Changing these settings will not change the default values.

Use Alternate Path -  to restore the selected files to a path which is different from their original location (including drives).

Use stored folders -  to determine if the original directory structure should be restored to the alternate directory, or if all the files should be restored into the same directory.

The Overwrite option determines what LifeSaver will do when restoring a file that already exists.  When the Ask option is used, LifeSaver will ask what to do with each file that will overwrite an existing file.  You will also be asked to overwrite all or none at that time, so that you do not need to respond to each file.