Title: Backing up your Collectorpro Appraisal Data

It is important that you backup your appraisal data on a regular basis.  Collectorpro does not have a built-in backup system.  You can use any of a number of methods for backing up your data such as CD-RW, Tape, Zip or Jazz Drive.  Diskettes are not recommended due to size constraints.

Windows 2000 and Windows XP contain a Backup program that can be used to select files for backup to tape and CD-ROM.  We do not provide training or support on these programs, but they are well documented in the Windows help systems.

Many users copy their appraisal data to CD-RW.  The best strategy is to copy the entire c:\Program Files\appraiser folder, and all sub folders, to the CD-RW.  Then you have a complete copy of all the programs and appraisal data in one place for safe-keeping.

Within the c:\Program Files\appraiser folder there is a folder for each appraisal you have created.  For example, if you created an appraisal named “SMITH”, there will be a c:\Program Files\appraiser\smith folder that contains all the data about that appraisal.  If you copy the “smith” folder to tape, or CD-RW, then you have a backup of only that appraisal data. 

As you keep creating more appraisals, you will have more and more appraisal folders to backup.  Be sure to backup on a regular basis.

Below is a sample of the Collectorpro Folder using My Computer

In this example, the folders that contain appraisal information are:
data, smith, and jones. 

The default and archive folders contain the object archive and some system files.  It is not critical that these be backed-up.

Note: There are many programs that allow you to copy (burn) files and folders to CD-RW.  We do not support or provide assistance with these programs.  If you are unsure, you should seek help from a computer professional.

 Backup strategy is not only good for Collectorpro data, but for all the data you store on your computer.  It is worth the time and effort to create and maintain a good backup strategy for all your documents, files and data.