Backing Up & Data Restoration

 

Backing Up Data

It is highly recommended that you perform backups of Chart-It data daily.

While the Chart-It Program can always be reloaded from disk, the data you have accumulated is unique to your practice.  In event of data loss, that data can only be restored from a reliable backup source.

An effective backup strategy accounts for all possible occurrences.  This means that in the event of a disaster such as a fire or theft, you will be ready to restore your system from backups quickly without losing more than a day's data.  To achieve this, daily backups must be performed on a set of backup media that is rotated daily and carried off site.

It is not uncommon to perform two backups of each day's data: one set is left in the office and the other is taken off site.

Another ingredient of a viable backup plan is periodic verification of backups to ensure that the backups are reliable.  This is easily done by performing a test restoration of backup data to a temporary location, then checking to see if Chart-It can run using that restored data.

For details on how to setup and configure your backup software, it is wise to consult your hardware vendor.  Your hardware vendor will be able to assist in providing the most convenient backup solution.  You will need to identify to the vendor which files are unique patient data files that are essential for successful backup.

In the usual installation situation where suggested defaults have been accepted, essential data for backup are contained in the C:\CIW\DATA directory. 

Data Maintenance and Repair

Be aware that should your database become damaged.  Chart-It Utilities has a database repair utility designed to deal with such events.

A database can be damaged when a PC power interruption or surge, however momentary, whether particularly noticeable, or not - occurs while the program is running.  An improper system shutdown might cause this as well.

How can you tell when a database damage has occurred?

There is no clear cut and definitive answer to that question.  Unfortunately, depending upon what sort of damage has occurred, symptoms differ and may not be immediately obvious.

Suspect database damage if .....

  • your screen "goes blank" when you attempt a routine operation.

  • your computer cannot locate patient records known to exist.

  • your system fails to properly execute functions that have worked just fine in the past.

  • your computer displays error messages unrelated to the functions in which you are engaged.

  • if restarting your system doesn't lead to regaining normal operation or especially ....

  • if you experience a combination of the symptoms listed above.

If it appears that your database may be damaged, follow the steps given below to make repairs to the Chart-It database.

  1. Exit all open Windows applications including Chart-It on the network.
  2. Start Chart-It Utilities from the Start | Programs | Chart-It for Windows | Chart-It Utilities
  3. Once in Chart-It utilities, launch the database repair program by clicking on Activities | Repair | Compact Charting Database.
  4. You will be presented with a  dialogue box containing your charting database data path.  Click OK to confirm.  This is usually C:\CIW\DATA\CHARTING.MDB.  If your patient database is stored on a network server, select the drive letter for the network server rather than selecting "C" drive.
  5. Click Yes to the next dialogue box.
  6. The Repair program my take a few minutes depending upon the amount of patient data stored.

The program will report any error that it could not repair if any.

Please contact us if this is not successful.   We have personnel with additional experience and tools that are at your disposal in case of such emergencies.

 
 

Return to the main Manual Menu
 
Home Products Purchase Partners Manual Help Contact Us
 
e-Mail for Information
© 1988 - 2005 Chart-It, Inc.