Quick Start

Lesson 11
Keeping your data safe
Power failures, disk problems, and other unexpected computer
problems can happen to anyone at any time. To help prevent data
loss, regularly back up all important documents on your computer,
including your databases.
In this lesson you will learn:
1 how and when to back up your database
1 where to learn about other ways to protect your files
How to back up your database
There are many ways to back up a file. This is one way.
1. Determine the size of the database.
Windows: Right-click the icon for the file, then choose Properties.
Mac OS: Click the icon for the file, then choose File menu > Get Info.
2. Identify a disk or volume that has enough available space for a
copy of the database.
3. Open the database you want to back up.
4. Choose File menu > Save a copy as.
5. Click Save.
Important Next time, back up to a different disk or volume. Never
back up over the only or most recent copy of your file. You should
have several different backups at all times.
When to back up
You should back up:
1 as often as necessary to be sure you can restore all of your data in
an emergency.
1 before you make a major or irreversible change like deleting
records, deleting a field from Define Fields, or replacing data using
the Import or Replace features.
Remember, it takes far less time to back up a file than it does to
recreate a lost or damaged file!
For more information
This lesson has shown you one way to protect a database. For other
ways to prevent and overcome difficulties with your files, see
appendix B in the FileMaker Pro User’s Guide.
Accept the
default filename
for your copy, or
change the name
Save a
copy of
current file
Select the disk
and folder where
you want to save
your copy