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| Eaglesoft and Patterson Imaging - What to consider when setting up a backup system for Patterson Dental software. |
| Applies to: Eaglesoft, Patterson Imaging, all versions; PattLock |
Making a backup is one of the most important things you can do for your office. Backups are a form of insurance against fire, power outages, theft and other misfortunes. If you lose your office data for any reason, a recent backup drive will save your office staff time and money. This section provides information on what to back up, how often to back up and where to store a backup.
The folder that needs to be backed up for Patterson Imaging is called "Data." The default path for the Data folder is: C:\Patterson Imaging\Data. This folder could be located on a different drive, for example: D:\Patterson Imaging\Data.
Before backing up this folder there should be a verification of the existence of the files Dental.db, Dental.log and Images/Documents folders.
The Patterson database engine must be shut down before a successful backup can be performed. Failure to shut down the Patterson Software server will result in important database files not being backed up!
When to Make BackupsThis feature enables Patterson software to automatically create local backups of the database at startup. This should be used as a fail-safe backup and not relied upon as your sole means of backing up data. This can be set up through Technical Reference . The backups will consist of a .zip file containing the pattersonPM.db and pattersonPM.log files at the time of the execution.
Select Start | Programs | Eaglesoft or Patterson Imaging (depending on the software) | Technical Reference From here, select the Database Setup button. Select the Auto Backup button.
To use the Auto Backup, select the checkbox Use Auto Backup Enter the number of days between Server startup that you wish to perform an automatic backup. Enter the highest number of backup files you wish to keep at any given time.
Use the button to browse to the auto backup folder if this hasn't been done before.
Note: This system should not be relied upon as the sole means for data backup. Patterson recommends using an additional process as your primary data backup.
This option will not replace your daily, monthly or annual backup. Auto Backup will not:
Auto Backup is a system tool and not a replacement for external backup media!
More Tips on Your Backups Where to Store BackupsIt is a good idea to store your backups in a safe, fire/waterproof location, such as a safe deposit box. More importantly, keep your backups at an off-site location.
Who Makes the Backups
Backups for an office are created and maintained by the office's hardware provider or IT. Patterson can assist with the creation of an individual backup in cases where data loss may present a risk, periodic backups such as the daily, weekly or yearly recommended backups should be handled by a member of the office staff or a third party contracted to do so. If you are in need of a hardware provider or IT specialist, you can reference our list of Preferred Hardware Providers, here.
Make Sure you are Making a Correct BackupTo verify that you are making the backup correctly, restore it at least once a month. If you have questions on this procedure or need assistance, contact your hardware provider. The Patterson Technology Center can verify backups for a fee. For more information, contact the Patterson Technology Center.
Printed copies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
19093.Rev011 12.26.23
