Index Files And Backups

FotoAlbum automatically saves all changes you make to albums, groups and pictures. This information is stored in index files located in your picture folder. Under no circumstances should you modify or remove these files. These folders/files include:

• <PicDir>\Ndx\fototime.xml - This is the primary index file that contains all albums, groups and pictures. It does not contain the thumbnail data. It will either be an XML file or a binary file based upon the setting of your preference.
• <PicDir>\Ndx\NdxBackups\*.* - This folder contains backups of your index files. FotoAlbum automatically creates backups of your "fototime.xml" file and saves them in this folder.
• <ApplicationDir>\Thumbs\*.* - This folder contains the thumbnail database. If this folder is removed, it will be rebuilt. You can change the default location for this in the Preferences of FotoAlbum. You should periodically compress this file by choosing the Regenerating All Thumbnails option.

Note: In the prior listings, <PicDir> refers to your currently selected picture folder. You can have multiple of these on your system and switch between them using the "File->Set Picture Folder" command. <ApplicationDir> refers to the folder you installed FotoAlbum into (usually "c:\program files\fototime").

The best way to create a permanent safe copy of the necessary index files is to use the Create FotoAlbum CD option and back them up to a CD.