M3 System Backup Information

 
In order to protect your M3 data, it is important to perform frequent data backups. Daily backups are recommended to avoid the loss of files on the local hard disk due to disk drive failure, power outage, virus infection, accidental deletion, and other potential network problems.
 
The M3 Library Automation System does not currently provide continuous backup. A backup device, such as a tape backup, should be installed to allow backups. In addition, Mandarin recommends that your server be equipped with an automated backup system that can be used to schedule unattended backups.
 

Backup Recommendations

Mandarin recommends performing a daily backup Monday through Thursday after closing, and a full backup on Friday or before a holiday. In case of a hardware failure, a restore of a full backup followed by a restore of the latest partial backup can be completed.  In case of a loss of only M3 data, a restore of the latest partial backup can be completed.
 
Backups must be performed when no users are logged on the M3 server and the server is not running. To stop the M3 server:
 
1.     On the taskbar, click the M3 Server icon. This displays the M3 Server menu.
 
2.     Select Stop, then click All. This stops the server.
 
3.     Perform the desired backup method. Two backup methods are explained in the following section, “Backup Methods.”
 
4.     When finished, repeat step 1. Select Start, then click All. This restarts the server.
 

Backup Methods

Two recommended backup methods are as follows:
 
•     Partial backup – Backs up only the data that is critical to daily operation of M3. This entails selecting the specific location where M3 data is stored (the default path is C:\M3 Server\Registry) and starting the backup. This operation completes within a few minutes, and is a reliable solution for restoring M3 data. This type of backup does not back up the operating system or any other files on the computer. If a server failure occurred and the data on the hard disk was lost, the operating system and all applica- tions would have to be reinstalled; M3 would be restored from the latest backup, repairing all data and transactions. This type of backup is typi- cally performed by a network adminstrator.
 
•     Full backup  – Backs up the entire server, including the operating system, users, security, login scripts, applications, and all M3 data. This entails selecting the drive(s) and starting the backup. This operation  may take a half hour to several hours to complete. This type of backup is typically per- formed by a network adminstrator.