The way the LabSystem works, as long as data is transferred regularly (if your LabSystem is networked then these transfers may be automatic)there is little chance of losing lab results. The LabSystem program itself is identical on all computers. The thing that is different between the computers running the LabSystem is the configuration.

This configuration data describes the computer's particular role in the LabSystem. If the computer collects data from a lab instrument then the configuration of that data collection process is also stored.

If you are not doing a daily backup of the LabSystem, you should be. Computers do fail without warning, and sometimes permanently. If a failure renders a computer's hard disk drive inaccessible, and you do not have a backup of the critical data on the hard drive, then there is no way to get the data back.

At the very least you should protect yourself from losing the LabSystem configuration data. Even if you do run a daily backup procedure having a separate backup of the configuration files is a good thing.

Manual Backup of LabSystem Configuration
You will need a blank formatted floppy disk for each computer that runs the LabSystem. Repeat these steps on each computer:

1. Insert the diskette in the drive. Note: The instructions that follow assume the disk is in drive A. If the disk is in drive B then replace the references to A: with B: when typing the commands.

2. Go to the DOS prompt (usually C:\>)

3. Change to the LabSystem program directory by typing: CD \LABSYS [Enter]

4. Type: COPY LSCONFIG.* A: [Enter]

5. Type: COPY *.OPT A: [Enter]

6. Label the disk so you will know it is a LabSystem Configuration Backup. Include the date of the backup and which computer it is from on the label.

If you need assistance creating these backups, or need help restoring the configuration after a failure, contact DHI Cooperative, Inc.