This is by far the easiest way to backup your Flower Genie data files, and those little flash discs are very reasonable. You can carry it anywhere in your pocket, handbag or briefcase.
Theres an additional bonus. If you follow this procedure, you will have created a SWAP Library database.
You'll be able to plug this in and use it on your laptop.
You can also SWAP it with a Flower Genie friend.
Here's what you do:
1. Create a folder on the Flash Disc (lets assume its the i: drive) called:
fgdata_sets
The full path to this folder is:
i:\fgdata_sets
Theres a reason for using the name fgdata_sets
Its hard coded into Flower Genie, and used to indicate that the folder is a SWAP database.
Now we need to make a sub folder under fgdata_sets. To do that, double click on the folder name.
Make a new folder called myname
This name is NOT important. However, its the name that will show up in the Data Source pop-up, so make it something meaningful, particularly if you intend to SWAP your database with friends.
The full path to this folder is:
i:\fgdata_sets\myname
Now we need to make a sub folder under myname. To to that, double click on the folder name.
Make a new sub folder called fgdata
This name IS important. Dont change it
The full path to this folder is:
i:\fgdata_sets\myname\fgdata
2 Start Flower Genie
3 Run program System (menu tab)>System Paths - FG197
In "Alternate System Path" click "Get a folder"
Find and select i:\fgdata_sets\myname\fgdata\
Note: A backslash is required at the end of the path. Flower Genie will do this for you. However, if you do this manually, be sure to add the backslash.
4 SAVE Changes. (FG197 closes)
5 Start the backup program System> Backups - FG201
Change the Backup to pop-up to Alternate Backup Directory (folder)
Click Do Test
(Flower Genie only allows you to proceed If files are intact)
Click Do Backup
Thats it!
To test it, start FG037 (or any action program with a Data Source pop-up)
Click on the Data Source pop-up
Your backup, with the name myname will be listed in the pop-up.
You can select this and browse the backup.
If you follow this procedure, the files on the Flash can be edited.
Thus you can work directly on the Flash Disc. However, I dont advise this.
If you wish to edit the database on another computer, its best to restore the files onto that computer.
Use the Restore program - FG203 in Flower Genie
See separate thread on Restoring from a Flash Disc
When you're finished, backup again onto the Flash, to update the data.
You can use this procedure to synchronise between a desktop computer and a laptop, using the Flash Disc as a data transporter.
I'll allow you to think of the number of applications this technology opens up to FG users.
Suggestions for the obvious:
myname= mygarden2005
myname= mygarden2006
myname= mybackupJuly06
These can all be saved side by side on the same Flash Disc, if it has enough disk space.
