Backup Strategies
Overview
A comprehensive backup strategy protects your business from data loss due to hardware failure, theft, fire, or other disasters. This topic outlines recommended backup strategies for ProPay files and your file server.
Server Backup Strategy
Have a backup (stand-by) file server
1. Create a clone of your file server
You must have a backup (stand-by) clone of your file server. Most likely you will need an experienced IT person for this task.
Create a clone (exact image) of your existing server to an external USB hard drive. Purchase another PC without an operating system and restore the clone (exact image) to it. You now have two identical servers with all active directory users.
You may try http://www.todo-backup.com/ server backup software, but there are many solutions available.
2. Test your clone server to be sure it works
Unplug your real server from your LAN and plug in your clone. If your workstations can run the ProPay shortcut, it means your workstations have the same access to the clone server as they did with the old server.
3. Remove the clone server from your office location
Store it away from your office to protect it against theft, fire, or other threats.
ProPay Files Backup and Restore
1. Back up ProPay files daily online and offline
Online backup (cloud storage)
You need to have the PAYSOFT folder backed up in its entirety by subscribing to a cloud storage service.
You may try https://www.idrive.com for online backup, but there are many options available.
Offline backup (local external drive)
You should also back up daily to a local external hard drive connected to your server in your office.
You may try http://www.todo-backup.com/ server backup software for offline backup, but there are many options available.
2. Test restoring the ProPay backup files
Test online backups
Log in to your online backup service from another PC and download/restore the entire PAYSOFT folder to your other PC. Activate your software license on the other PC and run the PAY2026.EXE shortcut.
If you can verify that all clients' payrolls are up to date, it means your online backup service is working as it should.
Test local backups
You should try the same test for your locally backed up files.
Regular testing
Perform this test periodically to be sure your backup schemes are working correctly.
Best Practices
- Back up daily without exception
- Use multiple backup methods (online and offline)
- Store backups in different physical locations
- Test your backups regularly to ensure they work
- Keep your software license code in a safe location