Welcome
Welcome to DataKeeper

Welcome to DataKeeper!

DataKeeper has been designed for the maximum in flexibility and security of automated system backups and restorations. It includes these important features:

•	A wide variety of backup methods to allow for backing up virtually any combination of drives, files, and folders

•	Numerous additional selections for controlling password protection, file compression, file versioning, archiving, and other functions

•	The ability to restore a single file (even from a compressed backup), or only most recent versions, or an archived version from up to a year earlier


Selecting or deselecting by directory
Selecting or Deselecting Drives, Directories, or Files to Back Up

To select or deselect drives, directories, or files to back up, click on the empty box next to each drive, directory, or file that you want to back up.

•	The view is hierarchal, so selecting a drive selects all directories and files that reside on it, or selecting a directory selects all files and subdirectories that it contains.

•	You can select whatever combination of files, drives, and directories that you want.

•	Clicking on the "+" boxes expands the display to the subdirectories and files under each directory.

•	Clicking on the "-" boxes collapses the display to the directory level.

•	To select the files in a directory (or at the root level of a drive) but not the subdirectories, click on Back up all files in 'XXX.'

•	If you select the Back up all files in 'XXX' option, then click on an individual file within that directory you override the All Files" instruction and specify only the single file.

Note:

There is a subtle difference in selecting each file in a directory and selecting the directory: If you add files to a directory after selecting specific files, the new files will not be included in the backup unless you explicitly select them. If you select a directory, all files in the directory at the time of the backup are included, whether they were in the directory at the time it was specified or not.

Backup Tab Illustration


Including or Excluding Specified Files

You can filter files by both their names and by the time modified.

The entries made in this dialog apply to all the files, directories, and drives that are selected on the Backup tab.

Filtering by Name

Filtering by Modification Time

Filter Files Dialog Illustration


Continuous Backups

DataKeeper will continuously back up your files as you work, eliminating any worry about loss of work from an unexpected system crash or power outage. Follow these instructions:

1.	Launch DataKeeper.

2.	Define files to be backed up, filters for backups, and destination folder for the backups.

3.	Click on Continuously back up files in the Advanced Options block.

4.	Save the backup configuration (optional).

5.	Click on Start Monitoring.

The Back Up Now button label changes to Start Monitoring when you select Continuously back up files.

6.	DataKeeper minimizes to an icon in the tool tray.

More on Minimizing DataKeeper

It's a good idea when using the Continuous Backup feature to have DataKeeper load and run automatically with Windows so that it is always working for you.

Starting DataKeeper automatically

Backup Tab Illustration


Back Up Now

Clicking this button will cause DataKeeper to immediately back up your files according to its current settings and filters.

Backup Tab Illustration


Compressing Backup Files

DataKeeper can compress files as it backs up, requiring (on average) much less disk space to store files. The compression feature in DataKeeper allows you to retrieve individual files without decompressing an entire directory or drive.

To compress backup files, follow these directions:

1.	Launch DataKeeper.

2.	Define files to be backed up, filters for backups, and the destination folder for the backups.

3.	Click on Backup Options in the Advanced Options block.

4.	From the Backup Options popup dialog, select Compress Backup files.

5.	If you want DataKeeper to continue to compress your files during future backups, save the configuration.

Backup Options Dialog illustration


Multiple Versions of Backup Files

DataKeeper allows you to keep multiple versions of backup files, so that you can go back to previous versions if a change to a file is unwanted, the current copy becomes corrupted, or for whatever reason you might have.

To keep multiple versions of backup files, follow these directions:

1.	Launch DataKeeper.

2.	Define files to be backed up, filters for backups, and destination folder for the backups.

3.	Click on Backup Options in the Advanced Options block.

4.	Set the number of backups that you wish to keep.

DataKeeper allows values from 1-99. Make your selection either by entering a number in the field, or by using the scrolling arrows.

Note that large numbers of backup versions can consume large amounts of disk space.

Archiving Copies

DataKeeper allows you to maintain a set of archive copies independent of the ongoing backups.

More about archiving

Backup Options Dialog illustration


Locking Backup Files With a Password

DataKeeper allows you to password-protect your backup files so that unauthorized use is prevented. Be careful to pick a password that you remember or note it in a secure place, and remember that passwords are case-sensitive: We can't help you recover your data if your password is lost.

If you wish to lock files during future sessions, remember to save your current backup specification.

To assign a password to backup files, follow these directions:

1.	Launch DataKeeper.

2.	Define files to be backed up, filters for backups, and destination folder for the backups.

3.	Click on Backup Options in the Advanced Options block.

4.	From the Backup Options popup dialog, select Lock backup files using password.

5.	Enter your password when DataKeeper asks for it (at the next backup).

6.	Note that DataKeeper's encryption method is not breakable by any means that we know of, so it is important to keep your password. DataKeeper prompts you for the password when you attempt to access the backed up versions of the files.

Backup Options Dialog illustration


Backing Up to Multiple Media

Sometimes backup sets require more space than is available on the destination drive. In these cases, DataKeeper allows you to back up to a series of diskettes, removable hard drives, writable CD ROMs, or other removable media.

When backing up to removable media, you must choose whether to allow files to be segmented across disks or to only write whole files on each disk. If you choose to allow the files to segment between disks (files spanning disks), you will save space on the disks but you risk loss of a file if either disk on which it resides becomes corrupted. If you choose not to allow files to segment, any file that is too large for the media will not be backed up at all (for example, your backup media is 1.44MB diskettes, so your business checkbook file which is 3MB will not be backed up).

Tips for Backing Up to Multiple Media

•	It's best to use empty disks, dedicated to backups only. DataKeeper does not overwrite files that it finds already on disks, but using disks for purposes other than backups increases the likelihood that the disk will be damaged or corrupted.

•	If you keep more than one backup configuration (for example, a continuous, a daily, and a weekly), remember to keep them on separate sets of diskettes. Trying to mix backups on a single set of diskettes can lead to confusion and lost data.

•	DataKeeper labels each diskette electronically during backup and displays the label in a message box on screen. During a restore operation you will be asked to insert a particular diskette, or a series of diskettes, so you should write the name on each diskette when DataKeeper assigns it, so that you can easily locate that diskette when prompted.

To Select Whether a Backup Set Can Span Media, Follow These Instructions:

1.	Launch DataKeeper.

2.	Define files to be backed up, filters for backups, and destination drive and folder for the backups (or select an existing backup configuration).

3.	Click on Backup Options in the Advanced Options block.

4.	From the Backup Options popup dialog, under Can Backup Span Media? Click on Yes, Ask each time, or No, depending on your preference.

Choosing to allow spanning media:

When creating a backup that spans media, DataKeeper simply writes to a series of disks, filling each and prompting you for the next, and tracking the sequence of the disks in order to reassemble the files in the event of a need to restore them later. It segments files across disks without notifying you, continuing on automatically until the backup is complete.

Choosing not to span media:

If you select "No," but DataKeeper runs out of room on a disk before completing a backup set, DataKeeper produces a popup message allowing you to choose whether to stop the backup or insert a new disk.

•	If you choose to stop the backup, files already backed up are saved, but those not yet backed up are not. DataKeeper does not write portions of files under this option; only whole files are backed up.

•	If you choose to insert a new disk, DataKeeper will name the volume and continue backing up. Note that this is not as efficient an option as allowing DataKeeper to span media, because when you set DataKeeper to span media it writes to the entire disk, continuing files from one disk to the next rather than only writing whole files.

•	If DataKeeper encounters a file that cannot fit on the available media (when set not to span, but allowed to span after the prompt), it reports an error in the log file and continues the backup. You should be certain to check the log file for errors if you have allowed DataKeeper to span media after setting it not to span. (More about checking a log file)

Choosing Ask each time

As DataKeeper matches the next file in the backup set to the amount of available space on the backup disk, if there is not enough room it will prompt you for permission to segment the file. You may select either Yes or No for each file where this occurs.

Note:

DataKeeper uses the volume serial number on each disk to keep track of the disks where your files are stored. If you permit backups to run across multiple diskettes or removable media drives, you should be certain that the disks have volume serial numbers.

Occasionally, commercially formatted diskettes do not have volume serial numbers. When one of these is encountered, DataKeeper produces an error message instructing you to change the diskette or add a volume serial number. (Viewing and Creating Volume Serial Numbers)

Restoring Files That Span Media

Backup Options Dialog illustration


Choosing the Destination Disk

DataKeeper allows you to choose where the backup files will reside. If you wish to maintain your backup location during future sessions, save your current configuration.

To specify the destination folder, follow these directions:

1.	Launch DataKeeper.

2.	Define files to be backed up, filters for backups, and other backup options.

3.	Click on the Select Destination Folder blank and enter your choice of drive and folder for your backups.

You can also click on the Browse button and navigate your menu structure to select a drive and folder.

Backup Tab Illustration


Restoring Files

DataKeeper allows you to restore individual or multiple files, folders, or drives in one operation. The process of restoring files from DataKeeper is easy and quick. In summary, it works like this:

1.	Select the files to restore.

You can only restore files that have been created by DataKeeper, so other files do not appear in the file listing.

2.	Select the destination folder or drive.

3.	Select other options.

4.	Click on Restore to begin restoration.

Restore Tab illustration


Selecting Files to Restore
Selecting Files, Directories, and Drives to Restore

You can restore any combination of files, directories, and drives from your backup files. To restore files, follow these directions:

1.	Open the DataKeeper window and click on the Restore tab.

2.	Select the directory, subdirectory, drive, or individual files to view from the directory tree displayed in the Select Files/Folders pane by clicking on the empty box next to a file or directory.

•	The view is hierarchal, so selecting a directory selects all files that it contains.

•	You can select whatever combination of files, drives, and directories that you want.

•	Empty boxes are only displayed next to directories and files that were created by DataKeeper.

•	Clicking on the "+" boxes displays the subdirectories under each directory.

•	Checking the "Only Display Most Recent Version" box will display only the most recently backed up version of each file.  Do not check this box if you want to see all versions of the files.  (Tell me more about multiple versions of backup files.)

3.	Specify the destination folder for the restored files.

You can also click on the Browse button and navigate your menu structure to select a drive and folder.

4.	Click on Restore to begin restoring the selected files.

Restoring Files That Span Media

Restore Tab illustration


Viewing Versions of Files

You can view and select versions of files from both archived and series backups. Open the Restore tab and check the Tag and Version columns of the Contents pane.

The Version column displays the following information:

D — Daily backup

W — Weekly backup

M — Monthly backup

The Version column is blank for files that are not archive files.

The tag column is for your convenience when trying to correlate files viewed with DataKeeper to files viewed by another method. The tag values are unique identifiers and are unrelated to the sequence or age.

Restore Tab illustration


Archiving Schedule
Archiving Backups

There are advantages both to overwriting backup files with newer data and to having a historic record of what a file contained at a certain time.

DataKeeper allows you to have both, without consuming excessive amounts of drive space with dozens of copies of needless data.

Setting Archive

1.	From the Backup tab in DataKeeper, click on Backup Options.

2.	On the Backup Options dialog, click on Keep Daily/Weekly/Monthly archive copies of files.

Clicking on Keep Daily/Weekly/Monthly archive copies instructs DataKeeper to maintain archive copies, even if the number of copies has been exceeded.

Example

For example, if you specify that DataKeeper maintain a history of 5 versions of a backed up file, and select Keep Daily/Weekly, etc., DataKeeper does all of the following:

•	Saves the most recent 5 versions of the specified files on your defined schedule.

•	Overwrites the 5 files in rotation, replacing the oldest file each time.

•	Keeps 7 daily, 5 weekly, and 12 monthly archive copies in addition to the 5 most recent files.

•	Overwrites the 7th daily file each day, the 5th weekly file each week, and the 12th monthly file each month, when the archiving system has been in place for that length of time.

•	Does not create a Daily, Weekly, or Monthly version of files which have not changed since the last backup.

•	Does not create a Daily if the number of serial backups has not been reached (e.g., if you have set DataKeeper to maintain a history of 5 versions and you only make 4 one day, DataKeeper does not create an archived version for that day).

Tips on Archiving

Separate Disks — It's a good idea to keep separate media for your archived data. This is because a physically damaged disk or a disk that has become virus-infected may be unrecoverable, thereby rendering your backup files useless. By keeping your backups on a physically different disk, you reduce the chances of losing your data.

Off-Site Storage — Many users, realizing the importance of their data, go to the extent of locating their archived data in another location (such as a safety deposit box or a branch office location) to reduce the danger of fire or theft, and to make it difficult to inadvertently overwrite backups.

Can't Do It All — While some of these activities require a commitment to extra action on your part, you can set DataKeeper to at least create the archived files for you, allowing you to copy them to other media and store them remotely on your own schedule.


Backing Up From Networks
Backing Up From or to Networks

DataKeeper permits you to back up from or to a network drive in the same way that you back up a stand-alone system. If network volumes are mapped to drive letters then they will be visible to DataKeeper.

Use the system and drive designated by your system administrator to back up your data.

Note:

Network volumes are not visible if you have selected Continuously back up files.


Volume IDs for Removable Media

DataKeeper uses the DOS volume number feature to keep track of the disks that your files are stored on. If your backups run across multiple diskettes or removable media drives, you should be certain that the disks have volume serial numbers assigned.

Checking for volume serial numbers

To check for a volume serial number, follow these instructions:

1.	Open a Command Prompt window or go to the DOS prompt.

2.	From the DOS prompt, type the display directory command:

Example: DIR /P A:

Where A: is the drive that you use for your backups.

3.	If the disk has a serial number, it will be displayed just above the directory of the disk. If no serial number is displayed, none is assigned.

Creating volume serial numbers

You can easily add a serial number to a disk if it has no data on it, or if you don't mind losing the data that is there. If you wish to add a serial number to a disk that has data that you want to keep, copy the data to another disk before performing these steps (the Format command used in this process destroys all data on a disk).

1.	Open the My Computer window.

2.	Select the disk that you want to serialize.

3.	From the menu bar, select File->Format to open the Format menu

4.	In the Format dialog, click on Quick Format.

5.	Windows adds a serial number to the disk as a part of the Quick Format.


Contacting PowerQuest Corporation

For instructions on contacting PowerQuest Corporation, from the DataKeeper menu bar, click on Help->About. The About screen contains email addresses for technical support.


Overview of Using DataKeeper
Overview of Backing Up with DataKeeper

DataKeeper has many options, which allow you to tailor it to suit virtually any backup situation. The basic operation for most users is as follows:

1.	Select the Backup tab.

2.	Select the files, directories, and/or drives to be backed up.

3.	Select the destination folder for the backups.

If you put your backup directory on a network drive, use a user directory instead of a shared location.  This will prevent other users from inadvertently copying over your backup files.

4.	Select filters and backup options.

This step is optional. You can filter files by names or types, either by excluding or including. You can also specify the number of history backups, the storage format, and whether files are permitted to span media or not.

5.	Save your backup specification (optional). (What's a backup specification?)

6.	Run backup.

Backup Tab Illustration


Overview of Restoring with DataKeeper

DataKeeper allows you to easily restore files using a few selections from a dialog. The basic operation is as follows:

1.	Select the Restore tab.

2.	Select the files, folders, and/or drives to be restored.

3.	Select the destination folder to restore your files into.

If you don't specify a destination folder, the files will be restored to their original directories.

4.	Specify how you wish DataKeeper to deal with any existing files.

5.	Restore your files.

Restoring Files That Span Media

Restore Tab illustration


Filtering by Name

DataKeeper allows you to filter inclusively and exclusively based on name.

1.	Enter the name of files that you wish to have backed up into the field titled "Include files matching."

2.	Enter the name of files that you wish to have excluded from the back up into the field titled "Exclude files matching."

Wildcards

Use the asterisk (*) character as a wildcard to specify groups of files:

•	"*.doc" specifies all files with the file extension .doc in the specified directories.

•	"proposal.*" specifies proposal.doc, proposal.xls, proposal.prn, and all other files named proposal, whatever their file type or extension.

•	"stock*.xls" specifies stocks01.xls, stocks2.xls, stockdata.xls, and other files which have names beginning in stock, and having the file extension .xls.

The asterisk (*) character denotes any number of characters (zero or more).

The question mark (?) character denotes only one character.

Multiple Filters

You can enter multiple restrictions in the filter fields, thereby including and excluding files based on several criteria. The following restrictions apply:

•	Each sort criterion must be entered on a separate line. Start a new line (new filter criterion) by pressing <return>.

•	All filter criteria are applied to all files in the selected set of directories.

Note:

Filtering by takes effect immediately (as soon as you move to a new feature), so DataKeeper immediately modifies the display of the available files and directories as you apply filters.

Filter Files Dialog Illustration


Filtering by Time

This section of the Filter Files dialog allows you to specify backups by time.

•	Selecting Ignore modification time (all selected files) backs up all selected files according to the backup specification that you have defined. This is the default setting.

•	Selecting Only files created or modified since last backup backs up files that have been created or modified since the last backup.

•	Selecting Only files modified since opens the date and time fields, where you can specify the point at which you want to begin saving files.

Note:

Filtering by time takes effect immediately (as soon as you move to a new feature), so DataKeeper immediately modifies the display of the available files and directories as you apply filters.

Filter Files Dialog Illustration


Backup Options

This dialog presents several important options.

Backup Options Dialog Illustration

Copies of Backup File

Use this field to set the number of history copies of a file for DataKeeper to maintain.

Clicking on the Keep Daily/Weekly/Monthly Archive setting turns on the Archive feature.

More About Archiving

Storage Format

These selections can be made either separately or together.

•	Compress backup files — Use compression to save disk space (files remain accessible individually).

More about compressing files

•	Lock backup files using password — Opens a popup dialog where you can assign a password to your backup files. Passwords can be from 1—65 characters. They are case-sensitive. You can use any ASCII character except null.

More about assigning a password

Can Backup Span Media

Allows DataKeeper to make backup files that span diskettes, removable disks, or tapes.

More About Spanning Media


Options Menu

The Options dialog offers 3 tabs:

•	General

•	Logging

•	Start Up


General

This tab on the Options dialog offers the following selections:

•	Cancel Backup/Restore after XXXXX errors — Setting this option causes DataKeeper to stop attempting backups or restores after encountering the specified number of errors.  Enter any value between 0 and 10000; a value of 0 disables this option.

•	Display total size of selected files during back up/restore — Setting this option causes DataKeeper to display the total size and file count before and during a backup or restore operation.

•	Display full path in description bar — Setting this option causes DataKeeper to display the full path of the backup files in the description bar.

General Options Tab Illustration


Logging

The logging option allows you to easily check the results of a backup and solve problems if there are any.

This tab on the Options dialog offers the following selections:

•	Logging Level — Select either all messages to be placed in the log or log only errors.

•	Log File Settings — Specify the name and maximum size of the log file.

If the log file exceeds the maximum size, it renames the file and begins a new log file under the original name. The renamed file is last[filename].

If the log file gets too big and the log feature creates a second file, the required disk space could become as much as twice the space allowed for the single file.

If there are two log files, the log file viewer combines them during viewing in order to maintain continuity.

Logging Options Tab Illustration

Viewing the Log File


Start Up

This tab on the Options dialog offers the following selections:

•	Do not load a backup specification at startup — Starts DataKeeper without any specification.

•	Reload last backup specification at startup — Runs most recent specification when DataKeeper starts.

•	Load [specification] at startup — Names the backup specification to load when DataKeeper starts. You can use the Browse button to navigate your files and select a specification if you prefer.

•	Automatically run when Windows starts — Runs DataKeeper each time Windows starts.

Startup Options Tab Illustration

Other Ways to Start DataKeeper

You can also start DataKeeper from a command line or from a Windows shortcut.

Starting DataKeeper From a Command Line

Starting DataKeeper from a Windows Shortcut

Creating a Backup Specification


Converting Reflex Backups

If you have been using Reflex Backup from Highpoint, you can open the Reflex backup configuration files through DataKeeper and save them as DataKeeper files without making any special consideration.


Backup Tab, Illustration
Illustration of Backup Tab

Click on any field to jump to the related topic.


Destination Folder

Enter the drive and folder that the backup files (if backing up) or restored files (if restoring from backups) should be written to.

Click on the Browse button to view your system's directory and select a file folder.


Restore Tab, Illustration
Illustration of Restore Tab

Click on any field to jump to the related topic.


Backup Options Dialog, Illustration
Backup Options Dialog Illustration

Click on any field to jump to the related topic.


Filter Files Dialog, Illustration
Filter Files Dialog Illustration

Click on any field to jump to the related topic.


Options General Tab, Illustration
Options General Tab Illustration

Click on any field to jump to the related topic.


Options Logging Tab, Illustration
Options Logging Tab Illustration

Click on any field to jump to the related topic.


Options Startup Tab, Illustration
Options Start Up Tab Illustration

Click on any field to jump to the related topic.


Starting DataKeeper From a Command Line

You can run DataKeeper from a command line either through the Start/Run menu or the console window. Enter either of the following commands in the field:

DataKeeper [spec.dks]

Causes DataKeeper to startup and load the named specification.

DataKeeper -r [spec.dks]

Causes DataKeeper to startup, load the named specification and do a backup.

Replace [spec.dks] with the name of your backup specification file. When starting DataKeeper in this way, you must specify a file to startup.

Creating a Backup Specification


Starting DataKeeper from a Windows Shortcut

You can create a Windows shortcut to start DataKeeper with a click of your mouse on a desktop icon. DataKeeper will automatically run the specification that you name (make more than one shortcut if you have different backup specifications).

Follow these instructions:

1.	Follow the Windows Help instructions to create a shortcut on your system. Enter either of the following commands in the command line field.

DataKeeper [spec.dks]

Causes DataKeeper to startup and load the named specification.

DataKeeper -r [spec.dks]

Causes DataKeeper to startup, load the named specification and do a back up.

Replace [spec.dks] with the name of your backup specification file. When starting DataKeeper in this way, you must specify a file to startup.

2.	Drag the icon for the shortcut onto your desktop, so that you can access it easily at any time, or drag it onto the startup list to cause Windows to start DataKeeper and run it each time you start Windows.

Creating a Backup Specification


Minimizing DataKeeper

DataKeeper can be minimized (sent to the tool tray as an icon) by clicking the minimize box in the upper right corner of the DataKeeper window, as with other Windows applications.

DataKeeper minimizes automatically when you click on Start Monitoring.

Interpreting the Icon

When viewing the DataKeeper icon in the tool tray, note that it can appear in one of 3 colors:

•	Red indicates that DataKeeper is inactive and is not backing up files.

•	Alternating Green and Yellow indicates that DataKeeper is active and backing up files.


File Extension Codes

Files backed up using DataKeeper have characters added to their names that indicate the status of the file. These extensions display the status of compression, versions, segments, and other such attributes.

The file extensions look like the following examples:

daily.ZDAB.DKS

letters.EVAA.DKS

allback.SMAD.DKS

The segments of the file names break down as follows:

First Segment (in the example above, "daily", "letters", or "allback"): Assigned by the user in naming the backup filter set.

Last Segment (DKS): All backup files have this extension, assigned by DataKeeper, in order to facilitate locating them.

Middle Segment: The middle segment comprises four characters, which have the meanings described in the following table:

First Character (File Type)	P	Plain. A single, unencrypted, uncompressed file.
	E	Encrypted. File has been password-protected by DataKeeper. (Tell me more about assigning a password.)
	S	Start. The first segment of a file that spans media. (Tell me more about backing up over multiple disks.)
	C	Continuation. A second or subsequent segment of a file spanning media. (Tell me more about backing up over multiple disks.)
Second Character (Version)	V	Version. Indicates a versioned file. DataKeeper determines the serial position of any file with respect to other files in the backup set. (Tell me more about versioniong.)
	D	Daily. Indicates a daily archive file created by DataKeeper when the archiving flag is set. (Tell me more about archiving.)
	W	Weekly. Indicates a weekly archive file created by DataKeeper when the archiving flag is set. (Tell me more about archiving.)
	M	Monthly. Indicates a monthly archive file created by DataKeeper when the archiving flag is set. (Tell me more about archiving.)
Third and Fourth Characters	(Any)	Unique identifiers assigned by DataKeeper. These characters are not significant; they are used to assure a unique name for each file in a backup directory.

A file may have more than one attribute (e.g., a file may be both encrypted and compressed). In such cases, only one of the attributes is displayed.


Backup Specification Files

The configuration of selections that you make when you define a set of files to be backed up and how they are to be backed up  (compressed, password protected, etc.) can be saved and repeated. DataKeeper refers to this configuration as a Backup Specification.

Saving a Backup Specification

To save a Backup Specification, follow these instructions:

1.	Double check your current configuration to be certain that it is one that your want repeated.

2.	Click on File->Save As.

3.	Enter the name to save the configuration under.

DataKeeper saves the current configuration under a name that you enter.

Recalling a Backup Specification

To return to a previously saved Backup Specification, follow these instructions:

1.	Click on File->Open

2.	Select the Backup Specification that you want to return to.

3.	Click on Back Up Now

DataKeeper backs up the files according to the instructions in the Backup Specification.


Restoring Files From Multiple Media

DataKeeper allows you to restore individual files, groups of files, or entire backup sets that span media, depending on your needs.

Restoring a Specific File (or Files) from Spanned Media

1.	Open the DataKeeper window and click on the Restore tab.

2.	Insert the first disk in the backup set into the drive.

•	If you know which disk the file you want begins on, you may insert that disk instead.

3.	From the Select Files/Folders pane, select the drive that has the backup disk.

4.	Select the individual file (or files) to restore from the directory tree displayed in the Select Files/Folders pane by clicking on the empty box next to a file or directory.

•	The view is hierarchal, so selecting a directory selects all files that it contains.

•	You can select whatever combination of files, drives, and directories that you want.

•	Empty boxes are only displayed next to directories and files that were created by DataKeeper because DataKeeper can only restore files that it has backed up.

•	Clicking on the "+" boxes displays the subdirectories under each directory.

•	If the file you want is not on the first disk, insert the second and refresh the view, then the third, and so on until you locate the disk that has the file.

5.	Specify the destination folder for the restored files.

•	You can also click on the Browse button and navigate your menu structure to select a drive and folder.

•	If you don't specify a destination folder, the files are restored to their original locations.

6.	Click on Restore to begin restoring the selected files.

•	If the file or files you selected are on more than one disk, DataKeeper will restore the segment or file from the first disk, then prompt you for subsequent disks in the set according to where the selected files are stored.

Restoring a Backup Set from Spanned Media

You can restore all the backed up files from an entire partition at once. Follow these instructions:

1.	Open the DataKeeper window and click on the Restore tab.

2.	Insert the first disk in the backup set into the drive.

3.	From the Select Files/Folders pane, select the drive that has the backup disk.

4.	Select the empty box next to the folder that says "DataKeeper Backup of …"

•	This selects all the files in the partition that were backed up.

•	If the partition you want is not on the first disk, insert the second and refresh the view, then the third, and so on until you locate the disk that has the partition.

5.	Specify the destination folder for the backup set.

•	You can also click on the Browse button and navigate your menu structure to select a drive and folder.

•	If you don't specify a destination folder, the files are restored to their original locations.

6.	Click on Restore to begin restoring the selected files.

•	If the partition you selected is on more than one disk, DataKeeper will restore the files from the first disk, then prompt you for subsequent disks in the set according to where the selected files are stored.

Backing up files on multiple media


Running DataKeeper Automatically

You can set DataKeeper to run automatically when Windows starts. Follow these instructions:

1.	From the DataKeeper menu bar, click View · Options, then click on the Startup tab in the Options dialog.

2.	Select "Load <filename> at startup."

•	You must specify a backup configuration to load.

3.	Select "Automatically run when Windows starts."

Running DataKeeper from a Windows Shortcut

Options Startup Tab Illustration


Viewing the Log File

DataKeeper creates a record of its activities, called a Log File. You can select what level of activities are recorded in the file and how large the file is allowed to become, as well as where the file is stored.

Tell me more about log file settings

Viewing the Log File

In the Menu bar, click on View -> Log file.

Options Logging Tab Illustration

Illustration of a Log File