Database Tools Menu

· Database Management

The Database Management screen contains the Database Backup commands as well as the Restore Database and Defragment Database features. While these were three separate commands in the previous versions of FLP, they are now contained on one easy-to-use screen.

Database Backup

There is no doubt that creating a database is a time-consuming task so backing up that database is especially important, especially when you are creating a lot of new records.  First Look Pro offers you two methods of backing up your database: Manually, or with the Schedule option.  

The Backup command creates a file “FLP4.bak” in a default directory that you create. This file can be used to restore your database if you accidentally delete records you need or if your First Look Pro Database is accidentally overwritten.

To backup your database file manually:

1.      Select Database Management from the Database Tools menu.

2.       Select the Manual button.

The Database dialog appears on the screen displaying the server from which the backup is being performed on, as well as the Backup files location. If desired, use the Browse button to navigate to a new location where the backup file will be saved.

3.       Click the Backup button located at the bottom of the Database screen.

A backup file named “FLP4.bak” is saved at the location shown in the Backup File field.

4. Copy the FLP4.bak file onto any large storage device such as a ZIP disk or a CD-ROM. 

Schedule a Backup

The Schedule option allows you to schedule an automatic backup at a day and time that you designate.

To schedule automatic backup

1)     Select “Schedule” from the Database Management screen.

2)     Click to select the days or days when you want to run backups.

3)     Select the time when you want to run backups.

4)     Select storage options for running backups.

Use the Browse folder to navigate to the default directory where the backup is to be saved.

Choose the number of backup copies to be saved.

5)     Check the “Enable Scheduled backups” box to complete the scheduling of this client.

6)     Close the Database Management window.

Once the Database Management window is closed, a task is created in the Windows Scheduled Tasks program. You can access this program from the Windows Control Panel. At the specified time, any changed records will automatically be synchronized with the Master. This synchronization will continue at that time until you choose to stop it by clicking “Enable Scheduled Synchronization” again to turn it off.

Restoring the database from a backup file

The Restore Database command is used to restore the First Look Pro database from a backup file.  In the event that you accidentally delete records you need or if your First Look Pro Database is accidentally overwritten, this is the way to get your data back!

To restore your database from a backup:

1.      In Edit Mode, select Database Management from the Database Tools menu.

The Database dialog appears on the screen displaying the Backup file location. If needed, use the Browse button to navigate to a new location where the backup file is saved.

2.      Choose Manual from the Database Management screen.

3.      Click the Restore button.

A confirmation box will appear. 

4.      Click the Yes button to continue.

Warning! If you have created new records in First Look Pro since the selected backup file was created, you will lose those records. 

The backup file is restored to the database completing the Restore process.

Defragment the Database

In this lesson, we’ll defragment the database. If your database has been heavily used, and lots of records have been added, modified and deleted, using this command will speed up the operation of your First Look Pro database. This command replaces the “Compact and Repair” feature that existed in First Look Pro version 3. As the new FLP 4 runs within a SQL environment, many of the previous database maintenance tools are no longer necessary.

1.      In Edit Mode, choose Database Management from the Database Tools menu.

2.      Choose Manual from the Database Management screen.

3.      Click the Defragment DB button.

First Look Pro will perform the Defragment operation with the results displaying in the Database dialog window.

That’s it!  Now all you have to do is look forward to faster operation of your database the next time you launch First Look Pro.