Copyright: Copyright 1999 JCL Developments


Getting Started
Getting Started with Backup Plus

After working with Backup Plus several times, you'll see why most users consider it to be one of the easiest backup software applications available today.  If you need details on any action mentioned here, simply click the appropriate link to read that actions description.

The first thing you will need to do is to create a backup set.  This file has the extension of .BPS, which stands for Backup Plus Set.  Essentially, all this file is, is an ascii text file that tells Backup Plus what you want to backup, where you want to back it up to, and any default settings for the backup.  Backup Plus will ask you where you wish to save this backup set.  You can save it on your main hard drive in any existing folder, or simply create a backup folder if you wish, and store your backup sets there.

When creating your backup set, you can either choose to do so under the File Menu, you can select the New Backup Set toolbar button, or you can even use the Backup Wizard if you need even more help creating the set.

See the Creating Backup Sets section for more help with the creation of backup sets.

 Note:  If you need to open your backup set at a later date to make additions to files/folders you want to backup, the BPS file is the file you would open, as it contains the details of that given backup.

Once you have added files/folders to your backup set, you can then choose to backup the set.

After you have backed up your set, Backup Plus will create the actual backup archive which is named with the name of your backup set and uses the extension of .BAC.

An example of this:

You named your backup set MyBackup and saved it in the My Documents folder on your C drive.  Your My Documents folder would then contain the file:  MyBackup.bps.

When you choose to perform the actual backup of the selected files/folders, you would then select the device/location, where you want to actually perform the backup to.  When the backup is completed, if you chose to backup to your A drive for example, your disk on the A drive would then contain the backup archive named MyBackup.bac.

This BAC file is the actual backup archive that would be accessed if you needed to restore any files or folders.


System Requirements

The below requirements must be met in order to run Backup Plus on your system properly and effectively:

Computer Requirements:

Minimum:

IBM or Compatible Pentium

16 MB Ram

SVGA Display (256 Colors)

Suggested:

Pentium 166 MHz

32 MB Ram

SVGA Display (True Color)

Installed, Backup Plus requires approx. 8 MB of hard drive space.

Operating System Requirements:

Windows 95/98

Windows NT 4.0+


Purchase Information

Purchasing Backup Plus enables you to use the program past the '20 uses' evaluation period.

A single user site license (U.S. Funds) is priced at only:

$39.95

See the Order Form for multiple site license pricing options.

Ordering Options:

Order by Phone using your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Novus or JCB card:

Toll Free U.S. & Canada	1-877-448-1491

International	1-780-448-1491

Order online at the JCL Developments Web Site using a secure server:

Visit us on the InterNet at: http://www.jcldev.com

You can also print the order form and send it along with a cheque, money order or credit card information.

Contact JCL Developments

You can contact JCL Developments at the above phone number or by E-Mail at:

Sales:	sales@jcldev.com

Support:	support@jcldev.com


Order Form

Use the 'Print' command to print the following order form.  If paying by credit card, ensure the credit card information is entered, otherwise ensure the check or money order is made payable to JCL Developments.  All prices below are in U.S. Funds.

Send the form along with your payment to:

JCL Developments

118 Woodborough Way

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada  T5Y 1N2

BACKUP PLUS ORDER FORM

Pricing Schedule

1 - 4 Copies	$39.95
5 - 9 Copies	$31.95
10 - 24 Copies	$25.95
25+ Copies	$19.95
Shipping Options

E-Mail Attach	Free
US & Canada	$6.95
International	$12.95
Order Details

# of Copies	__________
Price Per Copy	__________
Sub Total	__________
Shipping	__________
Total	__________
Method Of Payment

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Credit Card Information (If applicable)

Credit Card #:_______________________________________

Expiration Date:_____________________________________

Name On Card:______________________________________

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Personal Information

Name:_____________________________________________

Company:__________________________________________

Billing Address:______________________________________

City, State, Zip:______________________________________

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Where did you obtain your copy of Backup Plus?

_______________________________________________________________

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Restore Options

The following options determine how Backup Plus restores and prompts when files are being restored.  You can change these options at any time by accessing Settings under the Options Menu.

Always overwrite existing files when restoring

If this option is set, Backup Plus will automatically overwrite any existing files with ones from your backup archive when restoring.  Otherwise, if this option is unchecked, existing files will NOT be overwritten.  Default is set.

Only overwrite program & system files with newer version numbers

This powerful option allows you total control when restoring important system and program files.  If checked, Backup Plus will compare the version numbers stored in EXE, DLL, OCX, etc. files and only overwrite the existing file with the backup archive file, if the version number in the backup archive is newer.  Default is set.

  Note:  This option overrides the previous option.

Prompt for different restore locations

By default, when restoring files or folders, they are automatically restored to the same location as they were backup up from.  In some cases, you may want to restore a particular file or folder to another location to view it's contents, before overwriting any existing files.  If this option is checked, Backup Plus will prompt you for a destination to restore the checked files/folders to instead of the location stored in the backup archive.  Default is not set.

  Note:  Backup Plus allows you to choose one destination to restore to when this option is set.  Take care when restoring, as files checked to be restored can be named the same name.  As the files will be restored to one central location that you choose, the second same named file will overwrite the first same named file.  If you have two or more files named the same, you should perform the operation including the same named files separately, to different destinations.


Restore Settings

You can select this option be choosing it from the Options Menu or clicking the above toolbar button.  Various settings for the current Backup Set can be set here.

The following options determine how Backup Plus restores and prompts when files are being restored.

Always overwrite existing files when restoring

If this option is set, Backup Plus will automatically overwrite any existing files with ones from your backup archive when restoring.  Otherwise, if this option is unchecked, existing files will NOT be overwritten.  Default is set.

Only overwrite program & system files with newer version numbers

This powerful option allows you total control when restoring important system and program files.  If checked, Backup Plus will compare the version numbers stored in EXE, DLL, OCX, etc. files and only overwrite the existing file with the backup archive file, if the version number in the backup archive is newer.  Default is set.

  Note:  This option overrides the previous option.

Prompt for different restore locations

By default, when restoring files or folders, they are automatically restored to the same location as they were backup up from.  In some cases, you may want to restore a particular file or folder to another location to view it's contents, before overwriting any existing files.  If this option is checked, Backup Plus will prompt you for a destination to restore the checked files/folders to instead of the location stored in the backup archive.  Default is not set.

  Note:  Backup Plus allows you to choose one destination to restore to when this option is set.  Take care when restoring, as files checked to be restored can be named the same name.  As the files will be restored to one central location that you choose, the second same named file will overwrite the first same named file.  If you have two or more files named the same, you should perform the operation including the same named files separately, to different destinations.


Backup Set Options
Backup Set Settings

You can select this option be choosing it from the Options Menu or clicking the above toolbar button.  Various settings for the current Backup Set can be set here.

The following settings apply to any open backup set or newly created backup sets.  When a backup set is opened in the Backup Plus main environment, these settings will always change as to reflect the settings for that backup set.

Include Subfolders when selecting Folders

When selecting folders, subfolders off of the main folder will also be included in the backup.  In most cases, if you are performing a global backup, you will want this selected.  Default is set.

Compression Style

This option allows you to determine the type of compression you want Backup Plus to use when compressing the files for backup.  In most cases, you will find 'Normal' the quickest and best method to use.  The 'Normal' setting is set by default.

Here is a more descriptive outline of the different methods of compression available:

None - No compression.  Files are stored in the backup archive as raw data.

Low - Minimum compression.  This setting takes the least amount of time to compress files.  When compared to the Normal setting, this setting usually gives noticeably faster compression times in exchange for about 1 to 15% larger compressed files.

Normal - Normal compression.  This is the best balance between the time it takes to compress files and the compression ratio achieved.

High - Maximum compression.  This setting achieves the best compression ratios that the compression algorithm is capable of producing.  When compared to the Normal setting, this setting significantly increases compression time in exchange for about 1-3% smaller compressed backup archives.  Use this setting only when you really need to achieve the smallest possible backup archives and when compression time is unimportant.

Only freshen files in existing backups when backup archive exists

When Backup Plus encounters a Backup that has already been performed, this option determines if Backup Plus should simply freshen any files in your backup that are newer.  If this option is not checked, Backup Plus will always create the backup from scratch.  Default is not selected.

Add new found files in existing backups when backup archive exists

When Backup Plus encounters a Backup that has already been performed, this option determines if Backup Plus should add any new files that are encountered within an included folder.  Backup Plus will NOT add new folders that are not listed in the backup set being used in the operation.

This option works in conjunction with the previous option.  If the previous option is NOT checked, then the setting for this option will have no effect and Backup Plus will create the backup from scratch.  Default is not selected.

  Note:  The previous two settings have no effect when a backup is performed over multiple disks.  Multiple disk backups are always started from scratch as this mode of backup does not allow file updates within the backup archive.

Always include all found folders in current backup set

This option overrides what is listed for subfolders in the current backup set.  Any found subfolders within included main folders in your backup set will always be backed up.  This option allows you to ensure that all subfolders are always added and any newly created subfolders and files within those subfolders are always added when backing up.

For example:

If your backup set included the folder:

C:\Program Files\

then ALL subfolders and files under this folder would be backed up when a backup was performed, even if they were not listed in your backup set.  Default is not selected.

  Note:  This option (when checked) reduces the functionality of Backup Plus, but allows you to ensure that a backup will always contain any newly found folders and files within those folders, when backing up.  If you wish to be able to remove certain subfolders from a backup set in order that they NOT be backed up, then this option should NOT be checked for that backup set


File Menu

Below you will find the available options for this menu.

New Backup Set

Allows you to begin creation of a new Backup Set.

Open Backup Set

Allows you to open an existing Backup Set.  Backup Set configuration files are saved as '.BPS' files.

Save

Allows you to save the configuration at any time for the current open Backup Set.

Save As

Allows you to save the configuration for the current open Backup Set under another name or in a different folder location.

Load Timed Backups Manager

Allows you to load the Timed Backups Manager into the system tray at any time.  See Timed Backups for more information.

Exit Backup Plus

Allows you to exit Backup Plus at any time.  If the current backup set you are working on has been changed in any way, you will be prompted to save it or not before exiting.


Actions Menu

Below you will find the available options for this menu.  Underlined options require further explanation and have a topic of their own.  Click the link to view that option's details.

  Note:  This menu is also available by right clicking in the main Backup plus listing area.

Add to Backup Set

Remove Selected Item

Allows you to remove the currently selected folder/drive/file from your Backup Set.  You can also right click on an item in your Backup Set listing and remove the chosen item that way if you wish.

  Note:  If a folder is removed, any sub folders within that folder will also be automatically removed from your listing.

Default Location

Allows you to quickly & easily change the default backup location for the current open backup set.

When a backup set is first created, the default location for the backup archive to be created is the same location as where the backup set file (BPS) was saved.  Performing a backup manually allows you to set the location of the backup archive each time.  When you set a backup to be performed through the timed backups manager or use the command line/shortcut backup style, using this option allows you to ensure that the default location of where the backup archive is created, has been set appropriately.

Backup


Options Menu

Below you will find the available options for this menu.  Click the link to view that option's details.

Settings

Task Manager

Favorites

Backup Wizard

Restore Backup Archive

View Error Log

This option allows you to view the Backup Plus error log if one exists.  Errors during timed backup operations or command line/shortcut backups are written to the error log if the occur.

Registry Backup


Help Menu

Below you will find the available options for this menu.

Help Contents

Display the contents of this file.

About Backup Plus

Copyright and other information screen about Backup Plus.

Other options on the Help menu will allow you to automatically go to the listed Web Site if you have a default Web Browser specified on your system:

JCL Developments Home Page

Backup Plus Home Page

Order Online Now


Backup Wizard
Using the Backup Plus Wizard

The Backup Plus Backup Wizard allows you to quickly and easily create a Backup Set.  There are three simple steps to the Wizard.

Step #1 - Determine Backup Set Name & Location

This portion of the Wizard allows you to select the save location as well as the name for your new Backup Set.  Select the 'Browse' button to set a Backup Set name and it's location.

Step #2 - Select Files & Folders

This portion of the Wizard allows you to select individual files and folders to include in your Backup Set.  Select the 'Add Folder' button to add folders.  Select the 'Add File' button to add files.

Any added files or folders will automatically be added to the new Backup Set and be available for listing once you exit the Wizard.  The files and folders are added to the main Backup Plus listing screen behind the scenes.  You will be able to view and remove any of them once you have exited the Wizard.

  Note:  Checking the 'Include Subfolders when selecting Folders' option will automatically include any selected folder subfolders.

Step #3 - Final Step

This portion allows you to complete the Wizard by selecting the 'Finish' button.  Your Backup Set will automatically be saved in the location your specified in step #1.

Once you have exited the Wizard, you can continue to work with your Backup Set as it is loaded in the main Backup Plus environment.  You can select the Settings option from the Options Menu to adjust other settings for your Backup Set once you are back in the main environment as well.

You can also perform the backup right away by selecting the Backup option under the Actions Menu.


Step #2


Step #3


Restoring Backups

You can select this option by choosing it from the Options Menu or by clicking the above toolbar button.

Choose the 'Select Backup' button to open a backup file (.BAC).  This is the backup archive created when Backup Plus performs a backup of any set.

  Note:  This operation can be lengthy, depending on the size of backup you have created.

Once you have chosen the backup you wish to restore, Backup Plus will list all files and folders contained in the backup for you.  If the backup operation was performed over more than one disk, you will be prompted when a new disk is required.

You can then choose what you would like to restore.  Select the appropriate item you want to restore by clicking the square box in front of the item.  Backup Plus will then place a checkmark in that item's box.  The box can be clicked again to remove the checkmark.

Selected items to restore start from the top level and work their way down.  Selecting the checkbox for 'Folders' for example, would restore ALL folders and their contents, regardless of any items below it that are not checked.  Selecting the 'Files' checkbox, would restore ALL files that were added to the backup archive as files.

If you wish to simply restore two files for example, from within a folder, then open that folder by using the '+' sign next to it and find the two files in question.  Then check those two files only.

If you select to restore the folder itself, ALL items within that folder are restored, regardless if only two files within that folder are checked.  In fact, checking two files within a folder and then checking the folder, will cause all files within that folder to be restored and the two checked files will be restored a second time, which is not necessary, but will be performed that way if you check the items in that fashion.

  Note:  You can quickly uncheck all checked items after a restore operation by right clicking in the listing and selecting the 'Select None' option.

Restore Examples:

Your backup contains your 'Program Files' folder.  One of the items in your 'Program Files' folder is 'MyProgram'.  The restore screen will display both items:

C:\PROGRAM FILES\

C:\PROGRAM FILES\MYPROGRAM\

Selecting 'C:\PROGRAM FILES\MYPROGRAM\' will restore only that folder and it's contents, while selecting the 'C:\PROGRAM FILES\' folder will restore everything below the 'PROGRAM FILES' folder, including the 'MYPROGRAM' folder.

If you have chosen an entire drive to backup and the restore screen lists 'C:\' for example, selecting this will restore everything below it.


Basic Settings

You can select this option be choosing it from the Options Menu or clicking the above toolbar button.  Various settings for the current Backup Set can be set here.

Shut down Backup Plus after command line backup has been performed

When a backup is performed using one of the command line methods, this setting determines if Backup Plus stays open or automatically shuts itself down.  Default is set.

Prompt notification for skipped files

This option determines if Backup Plus is to prompt you when it encounters a file that it is unable to add to the backup archive.  This can happen if the file is locked by another program and cannot be opened for reading.  If this option is not set and a file is skipped, the skipped file will simply be ignored and the backup will continue.  Default is set.

  Note:  This setting has no effect on Timed Backups.  When a file is skipped in a Timed Backup, Backup Plus automatically logs the skipped files and will never display a prompt, as it assumes no one is available to intercept the prompt.

Prompt for backup archive size preview

This option will determine if Backup Plus is to prompt you before beginning a backup operation.  This prompt allows you to determine what the approximate size of the overall backup archive will be.  This allows you to determine how many disks will be required before the actual backup process begins.  Default is set.

  Note:  The preview will provide you with a total approximate KB amount.  Depending on the size of disk you are using, this will allow you to determine how many disks will be required.  This operation can be fairly lengthy, depending on the size of the backup.


Adding Files & Folders

This option is available by selecting it from the Actions Menu or by clicking the above toolbar button.

This option allows you to add folders, files or exclusions to your Backup Set at any time.

Depending on what you are adding (files/folder/exclusion), you can be presented with one of the below screens.

Browse For Folder

This screen allows you to select an entire folder and it's contents you wish to add to your Backup Set.

Once you have chosen the needed folder simply select OK to add it to your Backup Set.

If you have the Include Subfolders option checked in Backup Set Settings, any subfolders and contents of the selected folder will also be added to your Backup Set.

  Note:  ALL files within the selected folder will be included in your backup set, unless excluded by you.  This includes hidden & system files.  If a file cannot be included in your backup set for some reason, you will be informed as per the setting you define under the skipped files setting.

Add Files

This screen allows you to add a number of files to your Backup Set from a folder on your system.

Selecting Files

Double click the folder that contains the files you wish to add and select the files from the file listing.  The standard <SHIFT> and <CTRL> buttons will allow you to select certain files from the file listing or a number of files at the same time.

Add All Files

Once you have moved to the folder you wish to add files from, you can check this option to automatically select all files in the current folder to add.

Once you have selected the files you wish to add to your Backup Set, simply select OK to add them.

Exclusion Additions


Files & Folders Listing

Below is an example of what a typical backup will be listed like.  Users familiar with using 'Windows Explorer' will notice this style.

Any added folders will be listed under the 'Folders' heading, while added files will be listed under the 'Files' heading.

Folders containing sub folders will be shown with a '+' sign.  Clicking this will open the folder and display any sub folders within.

Any entered exclusions will also be listed here under the exclusions heading.  These files or types of files listed, will not be included in the backup set if they are encountered.

See the Actions Menu for details on managing your listing.


Excluding Files

Exclusions allow you to define an exact filename to exclude from the current open backup set or a type of file.  Wildcard characters '*?' are fully supported here.  Here are a few examples of wildcard exclusions:

*.bmp - This would exclude all bmp images that were encountered.

t* - This would exclude all files that begin with the letter 't'.

C:\Temp\*.bmp - This would only exclude the bmp images encountered in this folder.

  Note:  Exclusions are NOT case sensitive.  Also, be careful with exclusions to ensure you are indeed backing up and including the data you want to include.


Using Favorite Backups

This option allows you to quickly view and backup your favorite backups.  These are the most recent backups you have manually run in the Backup Plus environment.  The favorites database keeps track of the last five backups you have performed.

At this menu, you can also manually add a favorite backup to the listing.  Using the 'Remove' option, you can select any backup set in the listing and manually remove it from your list of favorites as well.

  Note:  You cannot manually add a new backup set to your listing if your listing already contains the maximum five backup sets.  You must first remove a backup set to free up a space in your favorites listing.

By right clicking on any listed backup set, you have access to a quick menu that features:

Open Backup Set

Allows you to quickly open the selected backup set in the main Backup Plus environment.

Perform Backup

This will open the backup set in the main Backup Plus environment and begin the backup operation, allowing you to define the type of backup you want and where to store the backup archive..

Create Desktop Shortcut

Allows you to create a shortcut on your desktop to the selected backup set.  At any time, you can simply double click on the desktop shortcut to perform the backup.  See Command Line & Shortcut Backups for more information.


Opening a Favorite Backup


Tracking Backups

This option allows you to easily track your backups within Backup Plus.  Whenever you perform any backup that is in your task list, the current date and time will be written for that backup.  The option will allow you to quickly and easily see when certain backups were last performed.

Add Task

Use this option to select a backup set configuration file (.BPS) and add it to your list of tasks to track.

Remove Task

Use this option to remove the selected task from your Task Manager listing.


Timed Backups

This option allows you to set and automatically perform backup sets that have been created.  The Timed Backups Manager allows you to perform backups without any user intervention.

Add New

Use this option to add and configure a new Timed Backup to your list.

Remove

Use this option to remove the selected Backup from your Timed Backup listing.

Please ensure you read the 'Notes on Timed Backups' section below before running any Timed Backups.

Setting up a Timed Backup

Backup Set

Allows you to browse for and select a created Backup Set.

Backup Type

Allows you to specify the type of Backup you require for this Backup Set.  The following options are available when determining Backup type:

Every 30 Days

Every 15 Days

Every 7 Days

Every Day

Every 12 Hours

Every 6 Hours

Every Hour

Backup Time

Allows you to specify the time you want the Backup performed.  The times are read in military hours (00:01 - 23:59).

Example:  If you wanted to specify 9:30 PM for your Backup time, the entered times would be:

HH:  21  MM:  30

  Note:  As noted above, you cannot set a Timed Backup to be performed at '00:00'.  This is when the Timed Backups Manager reads in any new events to be done for the current day.  The earliest a Timed Backup can be scheduled for is one minute after midnight.  Also, the Time set option will not be available when you choose one of the 'Hour' Backup types.  Backup Plus will automatically calculate the next time to perform the 'Hour' Backup from the current system time.

Set the Default Backup Location

The default backup location is read in when you select a new backup to add to your timed backups listing.  You can change this if you wish by selecting the command button next to the text field.  This is the location where the actual backup archive will be created when the timed backup is performed.

  Note:  If this is changed, this will take effect for the backup set entirely.  This means that if you open the backup set in the main Backup Plus environment, the default location will reflect what you select here.

Also, keep in mind that if you select your 'A' drive for example (Floppy Drive usually), Backup Plus cannot span disks when performing a timed backup, as the program assumes no one is available to insert a new disk when a timed backup is being performed.  By default, a Single Archive Backup is always performed.

Removing a Timed Backup

Select the item you wish to remove from your Timed Backups listing and click the remove button.  This will remove the Backup from your listing.

  Note:  You cannot remove items from your Timed Backups listing if the Timed Backup Manager is running in your system tray.  Backup Plus will remind you of this if the Timed Backup Manager is running when you attempt to remove an item.  Simply temporarily shut down the Manager by right clicking the icon and choosing 'Exit'.

Running the Backup Plus Timed Backups Manager

When Backup Plus is first installed on your system, the Timed Backups Manager will automatically be added to your 'Startup' menu grouping.  Whenever your system is started, the Backup Manager will be loaded in your system tray.

If you do not wish to load the Backup Manager at system startup, simply remove the shortcut from your 'Startup' menu grouping.  You can load the Manager at any time by double clicking the Backup Manager icon, or from within Backup Plus using the Load Timed Backups Manager option under the File Menu.

Right clicking on the Backup Manager icon in your system tray will display the pop up menu, allowing you to view any Timed Backups or exit and remove the program from your system tray.

Timed Backups Error Log

If an error is encountered while the Backup Plus Timed Backup Manager is performing a Backup, the error will be written to the Timed Backups Error Log.  You can view or clear the contents of this log file at any time in the Backup Plus environment.  The option is available under the Options Menu.

For Error Code descriptions, see the Error Codes section.

Notes on Timed Backups

If a Timed Backup has been missed for some reason, Usually because the time or date for the Backup has passed, when loaded, the Timed Backups Manager will automatically reschedule the backup for you.

For example:  A daily Timed Backup is set and your computer has been turned off for the weekend.  You turn the system on when you come into work on Monday.  When the Timed Backups Manager loads, it will see this and rreschedule the Timed Backup just as if it was being scheduled for the first time.  So the next scheduled backup will be for Tuesday, at the time you had initially specified without you having to intervene at all.

[1]  Timed Backups will automatically check to ensure the files/folders you have saved in your Backup Set still exist when the task is performed.  If they do not, the Backup Manager will rewrite the Backup Set to account for this and of course will not add non existent files or folders to your Backup.

[2]  When the Backup Manager performs a Timed Backup, it will store the Backup archive in the default folder for that Backup.  If you have manually performed the Backup in the Backup Plus environment, the default folder is the one specified by you.  If the Backup has not been performed by you manually, the default folder will always be the same location as the specified Backup Set.  The default location for the Backup archive can be changed while in the Backup Plus environment, using the Default Location option, under the Options Menu.

[3] Timed Backups will never span multiple disks.  If your Backup is too large for one disk, you should either perform the Backup manually or write the Backup to another hard drive.  This precaution was taken to avoid the Timed Backup Manager from getting stuck on one Backup and not performing any other Backups.  Put simply, there is no one available in a Timed Backup to insert a new disk when it is needed.

[4] When the Backup Manager attempts to perform a Timed Backup, it will first check to ensure that it is not already running a Timed Backup.  There is a possibility of time conflicts when you setup your Timed Backups.  You should ensure that there is enough time left between Backups for the task to be performed.

When attempting to add a Timed Backup, if the time is the exact same time as another scheduled Backup, Backup Plus will not allow the addition, although it will allow you to schedule Backups within one minute of each other.  If the first Backup consumes five minutes of time, then the second Backup will not be performed and an error entry will be written to the 'Error Log' file.  In short, allow plenty of time between Backups and try to combine Backups in one set when possible, to avoid time conflicts.


Choosing a Backup Type

The backup type screen is presented to you just before a backup is about to be performed.  This allows you to set the type of backup you require for the current Backup Set.

Multiple Disk Backup

Choose this option if your backup is being written to floppy disk or a removable device and will require more than 1 disk.  If the backup requires more than 1 disk, Backup Plus will prompt you for a new disk when one is required.

If you are not sure if your backup will need more than one disk, using this option will not harm the backup in anyway.

Keep in mind though, 'Single Archive' backups can be incrementally updated, while 'Multiple Disk' backups must always be recreated from scratch.

  Note:  This is a limitation within the compression technology.  The technology simply will not allow for spanned archives to be updated.

If you do not require multiple disks for your backup, it is suggested you select the next backup style.

See Using Removable Devices for more information.

  Note:  Backup Plus will also ask you if you wish to clear any existing contents of the disks you are writing to as well.  Ensure if you answer 'Yes' to this that your disks do not contain any needed data.

Clearing of some types of removable disks may not be supported, this depends on the type of removable disk.  Clearing of floppy disks is always supported, while clearing the contents of other removable media may not be.

Single Archive Backup

Use this option when you want to store your backup on an existing hard drive or other device and you are sure that your backup will not need multiple disks.  If the device you are writing to becomes full, Backup Plus will return an error and exit the backup operation.

  Note:  It is best to use the Single Archive Backup type if you can, when performing your backup, as fully incremental backups are supported within single archives created by Backup Plus.  This means you can simply backup any files that have changed when performing backups of the same data, as opposed to creating the entire backup archive again, as is the case with Multiple Disk Backups.

After you have selected your type of backup, choose the 'Start Backup' option to begin your backup.  You will then be prompted for the location to write the backup files to.  Select the appropriate drive, device, or folder when prompted.

See Manual Backups for more information.


Manual Backups

You can select this option by choosing it from the Actions Menu or by clicking the above toolbar button.

  Note:  This option will only be available when you have a Backup Set currently open in the Backup Plus environment and your Backup Set contains at least one drive/file/folder to backup.

After choosing to backup the current Backup Set, you will be presented with the type of backup you wish to perform.

Once the type of backup and destination has been selected, Backup Plus will present you with a status screen, keeping you up to date on the progress of the backup.

Depending on the settings you have determined where skipped files are concerned, you will be informed with a pop up dialog when files are skipped because they cannot be opened for reading.  This can happen if another Windows program, or Windows itself has a file currently open or the file is currently in use.

  Note:  Files that are skipped during a Timed Backup will never enable the pop up dialog as Backup Plus assumes there is no one available to select the OK button, to continue the process.  These skipped files will be logged in the error log instead.

Once your backup has been completed and no problems are encountered, you will be notified.  At this point you will have the option to test your backup to ensure the data was written successfully and there are no structural problems with the backup archive itself.  This feature allows you to be confident that your backup is safe.  Simply select 'Yes' when the dialog pops up to test the archive, 'No' if you do not want to test it.


Registry Backup

This option allows you to quickly and easily backup your important system files.  Existing system files will be searched for before this menu loads and will be listed for you.

Each item is automatically checked as well.  Unchecking any of the files, will exclude them from the registry backup.

Files that are automatically included in your registry backup are:

System.dat

User.dat

Win.ini

Control.ini

System.ini

Unlike other Backup Plus backups.  This particular backup is stored in a self-extracting EXE format.  This allows you to restore these files without the use of Backup Plus.  The only need this self-extracting file has is to be run in the Windows environment.

After you select the 'Backup' button, you will be prompted for a destination to store the backup, which by default is always called 'Registry.exe'.

Windows Startup Disk

The Registry Backup menu also allows you quick access to create a 'Windows Startup Disk' if you do not have one.  Simply click the 'Windows Startup Disk' button and follow the onscreen instructions.

This startup disk is created by Windows and will allow you to get back into Windows on most occasions, if a problem has been encountered loading Windows upon system startup.


Backup Archive Size Preview

This option allows you to preview the approximate backup archive size that will be created.  You will only be shown this dialog if you are performing a multiple disk backup or a  registry backup.

This option can be turned off if you do not wish to be prompted under the Basic Settings options.

This option is useful when backing up to multiple disks, allowing you to determine how many disks will be required for the operation, before the operation begins.

The preview will show you the total approximate KB that the backup will consume and will also calculate the total 1.44 MB floppy disks required.  You can easily use the total shown to determine how many other sized disks will be required for your backup.

  Note:  This operation can be lengthy for large backups.  Also, the largest backup archive size that can be previewed is:  4 GB.  See About Backup Archive Sizes for more information.


Command Line & Shortcut Backups

This option allows you to quickly and easily perform a backup that you have already created a backup set for.

Command Line (DOS) Example:

In the Backup Plus folder, call:

BackPlus.exe C:\Backups\MyBackup.bps

Windows Explorer Example:

Simply double click on any BPS file.

Desktop Shortcut Example:

Create a shortcut on your Desktop to a BPS file.

Any of these methods can be used to quickly perform a backup without having to open Backup Plus, open the backup set and go through the step by step backup process.  When Backup Plus is started with a BPS file on the command line, Backup Plus assumes that you want to automatically backup with the default settings that have been configured for that backup set.

  Note:  Files or Folders that no longer exist in the opened backup set will simply be skipped during this process and the backup set will be saved again without them.  You will not be notified as you would when a backup set is opened in the main Backup Plus environment.  The intention of this type of backup, is to enable you to backup quickly without having to interact with the program at all.

Keep in mind that Backup Plus will assume that you want to backup to the default location set for the current opened backup set.  If this is another disk drive for example, you should ensure there is a disk loaded initially in order for Backup Plus to begin immediate backup.

Command Line & Shortcut style backups do NOT perform 'Multiple Disk' style backups.  By default, the 'Single Archive' backup style is used.  See Choosing a Backup Type for more information.

  Note:  Command Line backup operations should not be performed using the shareware version of Backup Plus on unattended systems.  The shareware prompt must be clicked before the operation will proceed.  If you wish to perform these types of backups, consider purchasing a site license to rid the software of the shareware prompt.


Backup Plus Tips

Backup Plus was designed to be very easy to use, although certain tips may help in the every day usage of the program:

  Tip

When creating a Backup Set to use within the Timed Backups feature, ensure that you have set the default location you want the actual backup archive to be created in, by selecting default location under the Options Menu.

  Tip

If you have numerous scheduled Backups for the same day, try combining the contents of each Backup into one Backup Set.  This will enable you to simply select that one Set to perform at a specific time, backing up everything you want backed up.

  Tip

When removing contents of open Backup Sets, choosing root folders is an easy way to remove all of that folders contents.  Anything below a removed root folder will automatically be removed as well.

  Tip

When restoring Backup archive contents, selecting the 'Files' or 'Folders' roots, will automatically restore everything listed below the root.

  Tip

When restoring folders, selecting a root folder will always restore everything below that root, regardless of what is checked or not checked.

For example:  If you only want to restore two files from within a folder, select those two files ONLY, by checking their check boxes.  Checking the root folder that they are stored within would cause ALL files below that root folder to be restored.

  Tip

Backing up the entire contents of a hard drive makes for an easier operation, although, if there is one particular folder that you tend to restore from more frequently, you can save yourself time by backing up that folder on it's own.  This will save you time when selecting the restore option, as Backup Plus does not have to read in the contents of the entire backup, for you to restore the one file you restore often.

  Tip

If your registry files have been corrupted and you are restoring from a Registry Backup, ensure you place the contents of the Registry.exe file when extracting, to the Windows folder on your system.  After you have successfully restored the registry files, a system reboot will ensure that the settings on your system, reflect the changed registry files.

  Tip

Select the Single Archive style backup when backing up unless multiple disks will be required to backup your selected files/folders.  If the option is set to do so, only files that have changed since your last backup will be backed up again, instead of the entire backup set.  See the Backup Set Settings section for more details.

  Tip

If you want to be able to have the option to restore files from within a backup archive to different locations, other than their original location, ensure you have checked this option under the Restore Settings portion of Backup Plus settings.


Backup Plus Error Codes

Below you will find a listing of error codes that can be encountered during Backup Plus operations.

Each error contains a brief description and possible remedy for the situation.

Common Error Codes

# 502 - Premature end-of-file encountered in the backup archive.

This can happen when a backup archive is being read, but an end-of-file condition occurs.  The archive is probably corrupted.

# 505 - An error occurred while reading data from the backup archive.

This can happen if the network drive where the backup archive is located on suddenly becomes disconnected, or if the floppy disk the backup archive is on, is removed from the drive while it is being accessed.  It can also happen if there is a bad sector on the drive where the backup archive is located.

# 507 - An error occurred while writing to the backup archive.

Make sure that the drive where your backup archive is being written to is not full or has not become full and has not been disconnected or rendered inaccessible.  This error can happen if the network drive the backup archive is located on suddenly becomes disconnected, or if the floppy disk the backup archive is on, is removed from the drive while it is being created or updated.

# 509 - No files ended up being processed.

This can happen when all the files specified in either a backup or restore operation ended up being skipped due to reasons such as being unable to find or open the file, the file was excluded, etc.

#  510 - Backup Plus attempted to update a backup archive that ended up being too big to fit in the current location.  A 'Single Archive' backup cannot be updated into a 'Multiple Disk' backup.

The backup archive must be completely recreated in order to be updated to a 'Multiple Disk' backup.

# 511 - The system ran out of memory.

A memory allocation requested by Backup Plus was refused by the operating system.  The machine was low on available memory.

# 515 - Backup Plus tried to add files to an existing 'Multiple Disk' backup archive.  This type of operation is not supported.

The 'Multiple Disk' backup archive must be recreated from scratch.

# 999 - Undetermined error occurred.

Contact JCL Developments with full details on the operation that produced this error.


Using the Task Manager

This option is available by selecting it from the Options Menu or by clicking the above toolbar button.

The Backup Plus Task Manager allows you to pick from the two below options:

Schedule Timed Backups

Track Important Backups


Purchase Information

Purchasing Backup Plus enables you to use the program past the '10 uses' evaluation period.

A single user site license (U.S. Funds) is priced at only:

$39.95

See the Order Form for multiple site license pricing options.

Ordering Options:

Order by Phone using your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Novus or JCB card:

Toll Free U.S. & Canada	1-877-448-1491

International	1-780-448-1491

Order online at the JCL Developments Web Site using a secure server:

Visit us on the InterNet at: http://www.jcldev.com

You can also print the order form and send it along with a check, money order or credit card information.

Contact JCL Developments

You can contact JCL Developments at the above phone number or by E-Mail at:

Sales:	sales@jcldev.com

Support:	support@jcldev.com

Are you interested in becoming a reseller of Backup Plus?  Visit us online at:  http://www.jcldev.com/reseller.htm for more information.


Contacting JCL Developments

Internet Contacts

Home Page:  http://www.jcldev.com

Backup Plus Home Page:  http://www.backupplus.net

E-mail:  support@jcldev.com  sales@jcldev.com

Phone Contacts

Orders Only

Sales:  1-877-448-1491 (Toll Free - US & Canada)

International Sales:  780-448-1491

Fax:  630-982-1018

Support

Main Phone:  780-448-1491

Fax:  630-982-1018

Mail Contact

JCL Developments

118 Woodborough Way

Edmonton, AB

Canada  T5Y 1N2


Using Removable Devices

Backup Plus has the ability to write to just about any device,  in a single backup archive format and will span multiple disks on removable drives when more than one disk is required.

Devices supported for spanning operations are:

Floppy Drives

SuperDisk Drives

Zip Drives

Jaz Drives

Syquest Drives

MO Drives

and more...

Your disk must be in a mode that will accept direct files writes.  Most CDR drives for example, require that you preformat disks in order for them to allow you to copy or drag and drop files to the disk, so the disk must be in the same mode to allow Backup Plus to write to it.

  Note:  For spanning operations, your system should see the device as a 'Removable Device'.  If Backup Plus reports that it does not see the device as a removable device, then you still have the option to attempt the spanning operation, but keep in mind that this can provide unexpected results and the operation can fail.


About Networks

Backup Plus will provide the backup functionality your require in a backup environment.  The program does need the networked drives to be driver letter mapped though, in order to read the information in correctly.

If the drive you are backing up is not drive letter mapped, the backup operation may proceed, but also may produce unexpected results, especially when attempting to restore any files or folders.

  Note:  Backing up files from a non-drive letter mapped drive is NOT recommended.


About the Shareware Version

The shareware version of Backup Plus allows you to enter the program '10' times before your evaluation period expires.  You then have the option to uninstall the software or purchase a site license to continue using it.

The shareware version is fully functional and allows you to evaluate the software in it's true fashion.  If you wish to continue to use Backup Plus on a full time basis, see details on purchasing a license in order to do so.

  Note:  The only one difference between the shareware version of Backup Plus and a fully licensed version are the Command Line backup operations.  They can still be utilized, but the shareware prompt will need to be clicked before the operation will proceed.  You should NOT perform a command line backup from another program on an unattended system with the shareware version of Backup Plus.


Special Notes on Creating Backup Sets

It is highly suggested that you create individual backup sets for files or folders that you may need to access often in order to restore items.

Backing up a 4 GB hard drive is fine, but if you have to access the backup every other day for a file or two, you will not want to have to wait through the Restore Option loading the entire backup archive each time.

If you save all your documents in your 'My Documents' folder, and may need to access backed up copies quite often, it is suggested that you create a backup set for just this folder.  Reading in the contents of this folder will be a quick and painless operation if you do it on a regular basis.  Reading in an entire systems' backup can be a very lengthy procedure and should only be done in the event of system problems.

Creating very large backup sets that contain many files and folders can have the following hindering effects:

[1] Long backup times.

[2] If the backup is very large and spans multiple ZIP disks for example, you will not be able to update files within the archive.  Each time the backup is performed, it will be created from scratch, as multiple disk backups cannot simply be freshened to include new files or changed files.

[3] Longer restore operations when reading in the contents of the backup archive.


About Backup Archive Sizes

Backup Plus uses Zip technology compression to compress backup archives created.  There is a restriction on the size of backup archives that can be created using Backup Plus.

The largest backup archive size that can be created or previewed is:

4.0 GB

With today's hard drives growing ever larger, this is an important restriction to consider if you are backing up your entire hard drive.  You may choose to split your hard drive into multiple backup sets in order to avoid this restriction.

Also keep in mind that Backup Plus was created to backup important files and folders.  The product can be used to backup entire hard drives, although if you're hard drive is larger than 4 GB in size, you may consider some type of Tape Backup solution.

  Note:  Backup Plus will report an error in both the Preview and Backup operations, if the archive size exceeds their default largest amount and each procedure will stop.