Restore is used to copy data files from the back-up disk to the program directory.  It is primarily used for two purposes: 1) to move your data files from one computer to another or from one directory to another  2) to recover data files if those on your program directory are damaged; or 3) to copy your data files to the program directory after a clean install of the program.

To access Restore, select FILE and RESORE BACK-UP FILE.  The following dialog box appears:

In order to use Restore, you must regularly back up your files each time you exit from the program.  The program is set up to back up files in this manner, and as long as the back up procedure hasn't been turned off in Basic Set-up, you'll keep your back-up disk updated and ready for a Restore if it becomes necessary.

File Damaging Events.  If you ever have a serious file problem that is caused by a file damaging event (such as a power outage, power spike, a defective disk drive or by turning off the computer when the program is on), the Restore feature can help get you up and running again.  Indications of damaged files are the following: odd characters and gibberish appearing in the blanks of the Purchase Order Screen, information that is missing, or information that is not properly lined up in the blanks.  If your files appear damaged, first try re-indexing them.  To access this function, select FILE and REINDEX DATABASE FILES from the Menu Bar.

If re-indexing doesn't solve the problem, then move on to the Restore function (described next).  This function will restore the files that were saved during the last back-up.  If you have created more purchase orders since the last time you backed-up, you'll end up losing those.

Using Restore.  To access Restore, select FILE and RESORE BACK-UP FILE.  A cautionary message appears.  The message warns you to only use the feature unless you have experienced file problems or if you are doing a new installation of the program.  You don't want to indiscriminately use Restore since you can lose any purchase orders that you have added since your last back-up.  However, if no purchase orders have been added or changed since the last back-up, then you won't lose anything.

To continue with Restore, click on YES (Yes, you want to continue).  The Restore dialog box will appear and will list your default back-up drive.  If you need to change to another drive, double-click in the drive blank and a list of available drives will appear.  When the correct drive is listed, make sure your back-up disk is inserted, and click on OK.  Your back-up files will overwrite the problem files on your program disk, and you'll be ready to continue.

Use Restore for Re-installs.  You'll also want to use Restore when you do a re-install of the program--or when you install a new version of the program.  For more details: Re-installing the Program.