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10.1 Back-Up

All of the data that you enter into EFS is saved in one database file. Whenever you close EFS you will be asked whether you want to back-up the database. Answer yes and save a backup of the database. The default file location where EFS saves the database as: c:\program files\efs\

However, there is a file menu that you can use to change the file location. You will need to save the file to your hard drive.

We strongly recommend that you periodically save the back-up file onto an external source (i.e., a diskette or CD). To do this, use your file manager, either Windows Explorer or My Computer, to locate the saved back-up. Make a copy, and then paste the copy in the external source. If you are using a diskette, you may need to compress the file before copying and saving it to the diskette.

You do not have to wait until you close the program to perform this back-up feature. You can click Tools on the Menu Bar and select "System Back-up."

10.2 Database Recovery

If your computer crashes and is not operational, i.e., shuts down but is able to be rebooted, prior to your saving a record, all the new data entered for that transaction will be lost and will need to be re-entered. Previously saved data will be safe. If you need to switch computers, you can easily recover your back-up data. First, install EFS. Upon installation EFS will have a new, blank database. Click on Tools on the Menu Bar and then select "System Recover." A file menu will appear. Locate and select the back-up database file (it will have to be on the system hard-drive or from an external source). The back-up database will then replace the current blank database.

10.3 Managing Two Accounts

NOTE: It is not recommended to manage two or more campaign accounts on the same computer at the same time.

It is possible, although cumbersome, to maintain two campaign accounts at the same time on one computer. To do this, follow these steps.

• Create two sub-folders under c:\program files\efs
• Assign the sub-folders the name of the committee or the entity account number
• If this is the first time using EFS, perform a system back-up (see 10.2) and save the blank database to one of the two sub-folders that you created. Repeat this step, but save to the other sub-folder.
• If you already are using EFS for one account, you will need to contact SBE for a blank database for the other account.
• Once you have the databases saved to the sub-folders, you are ready to go. Before beginning working with EFS, go to Tools and then system recovery and select the database from the sub-folder that you want to work on. When you are finished with that database, go to Tools and select system back-up and save the database to the appropriate sub-folder.

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