IMPORTANT: This is one of the most important sections of this manual. Failure to properly configure Logbook to automatically create backup copies of your log could lead to very unfortunate circumstances of lost data - up to and including your entire log.
- There are a few different backup types as options. All these backups are stored in a file referred to as an "XML file." The main thing to know about this XML file is that it is a file type that has been optimized to backup or restore the Logbook database. These options will be discussed first, followed by strategies regarding the storage type and location.
- The “Automatic Backups” is found in the file menu under Tools, Configure, Backups. Backup files are saved in a proprietary XML format that ensures that information that is unique to Ham Radio Deluxe Logbook (like user-defined fields) are safely backed up. Some, but not necessarily all, of the backup locations should be used.
- Note: For this reason, making copies of ADIF files is not considered a backup method. Using an ADIF as a backup method could result in data loss. ADIF is an “amateur radio interface format” and was intended to interface logs between dissimilar systems by defining common fields.
- Backup file is an option that creates a stand-alone backup copy of the log. This is a very common method. But because these files are not compressed, they can take up a lot of disk space if old copies are not managed.
- Archives is an option that comes in two styles.
- Compress to folder is an option that uses standard Windows file compression techniques to reduce the size of the backup and put it in a specific folder.
- Add to Archive is an option that places an uncompressed copy of the file into a compressed folder (known as a Windows archive folder).
- In all, it is possible to place a backup of the logbook in five different file locations. It is our recommendation that all of them are used. Further, given that there are so many free cloud storage options available, it is possible to place a backup copy of the log on Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Box, Apple iCloud... and others. These are generally free services and far more secure than any disk attached to your computer.
- The following video on our YouTube channel demonstrates how to configure backup options "in-the-cloud."
- Backup Databases configures the timing or events that cause a backup to be created automatically. The choices are:
- On opening - this causes a backup to be created when the Logbook application launches (In our opinion, this is the least desirable time to make a backup.)
- On closing - this causes a backup to be created when the Logbook application closes (In our opinion, this is highly desirable.)
- Every x changes - this is useful when the operator desires to create a backup after adding a certain number of QSOs into the logbook. There are a number of standard options to chose from.
- Every x hours - this is useful when the operator desires to let Logbook create the backup on a timed basis.
- Because these files are created frequently, it is recommended that a strategy be used for deleting very old backup copies to avoid taking up excessive storage space.
- These events backup your logbook database automatically. If wish to force a backup, you can click the "Backup" button in the logbook ribbon.
- Restoring a Log from Backup
- Create an empty logbook (if installing to a new computer, the log should already be empty; otherwise, the process for creating a new log is File > Open Logbook > Create New Database). Display that log in the Logbook application.
- In the Logbook menu bar, navigate to Logbook > File > Backups > Restore
- Where it now shows, "Backup File", click the 3-dot icon on the right hand side
- Navigate to the file location where the log backup file is located and select it
- Click "Restore"
- Answer "Yes" to the "Really Restore" popup is presented
- Once the restoral process is complete, click "OK"
- Then click "Finish"
There are two common occasions where you may wish to restore a log from backup. One - actions taken in the log have caused mistakes (example; Bulk Editor). Or two - when you need to put Ham Radio Deluxe onto a new/different computer. Sometimes, this will also improve the performance of your log.
NOTE: A backup can only be restored to an empty database.
The steps for restoring a log are as follows:
The restored log will now be shown in the active logbook window.