Backing Up Records

Although computers are very reliable, they CAN BE damaged and CAN lose information. However, one of the greatest benefits of having a computer is that it is very easy to make backup copies of your information.

We highly recommend you use either a zip or CD drive system to backup your information. These are faster and more reliable than floppy disk backups.

Zip and CD Drive Backups
If you have chosen to use Data Team's zip/cd backup program, you will follow a few simple steps to back up your DDS program. You will need 1 zip disk or CD to hold your backup. Backing up to Zip disk or CD takes approximately 5 minutes. If you would like a copy of the zip/cd backup program you can download it from www.datateamdds.com or call to have a copy sent on diskette.

  1. Make sure you have exited your Data Team DDS program on ALL computers.
  2. Double-click the Backup Data Team icon on your desktop.
  3. Choose the drive letter you wish to back up to (D,E,F,G). Contact Data Team for help finding your zip/cd drive letter
  4. You will see your files being copied as they scroll across the screen.
  5. When the system states BACKUP COMPLETE! you can return to your dental program.

Floppy Disk Backups
If you have chosen to use Data Team's floppy disk backup program, you will follow a few simple steps to back up your DDS program. You will need 4-12 floppy disks to hold your backup. Number these disks consecutively. Backing up to floppy disks takes approximately 5 - 35 minutes. If you would like a copy of the floppy disk backup program, you may download it from www.datateamdds.com or call to have a copy sent on diskette.

  1. Make sure you have exited your Data Team DDS program on ALL computers.
  2. Double-click the Backup Data Team icon on your desktop.
  3. You will see your files being copied as they scroll across the screen.
  4. When the system states BACKUP COMPLETE!, you can return to your dental program.

Suggested Procedures
We suggest you perform Odd Day, Even Day, and Monthly backups.

In preparation for these backups, make sure you have three ample sets of formatted disks. Label these diskettes Monthly Backup, Odd Day Backup, and Even Day Backup respectively. Each diskette should be numbered so they are used in the same order each time. On odd numbered days of the month (the 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.), use the set of diskettes you have labeled Odd Day Backup. On even numbered days, use your Even Day Backup.

Since backup methods vary widely from computer to computer, there is no specific set of instructions we can provide for this process. However, you can contact Data Team's technical support line for assistance with your system. Data Team Backup, Iomega One-Step Backup, and MS Backup are recommended.

If our support staff cannot provide a specific set of steps for your system, they will refer you to the people from whom you purchased your computer.

Note: These instructions assume you used the standard Drive and Directory settings of C:\DDS when you installed your Data Team system.