Windows Backup Failing?

Virtual TimeClock has an easy-to-use backup utility that allows you to schedule automatic backups that will ensure you've got a current copy of your time clock data should disaster strike. However, your backup may fail if you're attempting to back up to a shared folder. That's because the time clock server background service doesn't have default access to the shared folder.

We've got instructions for setting up a backup to a shared folder in an earlier support blog. However, there's one thing I'd like to add. Make sure the full path of the shared folder is visible in the Backup Folder section of the Backup panel, not just the mapped drive letter. You can usually get to the full path through My Network Places.

Jeff
Technical Support Team
Redcort Software, Inc.

PC Time Clock Software Backups

The importance of backing up your time clock software data can't be overstated. If your computer or hard drive crashes, we can help get you up and running again in just a few minutes if you have a recent backup of your time clock database. Otherwise, you'll be starting a new database from scratch. This means adding all your users again and manually entering timecard entries for the punches that were lost.

Your Virtual TimeClock software has a built-in backup utility that allows you to easily setup a scheduled or repeating backup. We've even got backup instructions to help you out. There's one thing you need to be aware of if you're running Virtual TimeClock Network Edition on Windows. Your backup may fail if you're attempting to backup to a mapped drive or shared folder. That's because the Virtual TimeClock Server background service is performing the backup, not the server manager GUI program where you select the backup folder. And the default login account for Windows services doesn't have access to shares.

The following solution works for shares only, it will not work with mapped drives or shortcuts.

1. Create a shared backup folder according to your version of Windows.
2. Make sure the logon user account has permissions to the shared backup folder.
3. Launch Virtual TimeClock Server and choose the shared backup folder from the Backup panel.
4. Set your backup schedule and save the settings.
5. Open Windows Services and select the Virtual TimeClock Server service.
6. Open the Properties of the service and click the Log On tab.
7. The Log on needs to be tied to the logon user account and password, and not the default Local System Account.
8. Stop and restart the service to allow the new logon name to take affect.
9. Launch Virtual TimeClock Server again and click the Backup Now button from the Backup panel to test.

This logon assignment must be made each time the Virtual TimeClock Server service is reinstalled (typically, due to upgrades or troubleshooting).

It's so easy to make sure your time and attendance software data is safe, don't wait until it's too late!

Jeff Morrow

Redcort Software

My Time Clock Software Computer Crashed

There's not a week that goes by that we don't receive a panicked phone call from a Virtual TimeClock software user whose computer has crashed and they're looking for advice on what to do. Here are some common scenarios and practical steps to help you on the road to recovering your time and attendance data.

My computer crashed but I have a backup.

That's great! I love these scenarios because I get to be the bearer of good news. As long as you have a backup of your database, then all you need to do is install Virtual TimeClock on a new computer, restore your database from the backup, and activate your time clock software license.

My computer crashed but I can still access the hard drive.

This is another 'good news' scenario. As long as you can access your old hard drive, we can help you get your database moved over to a new computer. Then all you need to do is install Virtual TimeClock, open your database, and activate your time clock software license.

My computer crashed but I don't have a backup.

This is bad news, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news. We can't help you restore something that doesn't exist. You'll need to install Virtual TimeClock on a new computer, activate your time clock software license, create a new database, and start inputting your employee data from scratch.

It's so easy to setup a scheduled backup of your time clock software data, that there's really no excuse. We even provide you with detailed instructions. So next time you're unfortunate enough to have a catastrophic hardware failure, I hope to hear you say "My computer crashed but I have a backup!" With that piece of good news, we can help get you up and running again in no time.

Jeff Morrow

Redcort Software

Time Clock Software Year-End Procedures

It's easy to get distracted at the end of the year, so here's some information to help you stay on task and quickly close out another successful year with Virtual TimeClock.

• Carry over unused leave awards and update any new leave award benefits based on your business payroll rules.
• Enter 2010 paid holidays, they won't show on worker timecards until the payroll period in which they occur.
• Check your scheduled backup, especially if you've recently upgraded or moved your time clock software.

Happy New Year!

Jeff Morrow

Redcort Software

Backup Your Time Clock Data

Theft, flood, fire, hard disk failure, and viruses. The words that strike fear into the heart of all business owners. It seems like every week we're listening to a customer describing one of these very real disasters and begging us to bring their time clock data back. Unfortunately, we can't restore what no longer exists.

I can't stress enough the importance of backing up your time clock software data. The Virtual TimeClock backup utility allows you to easily and quickly perform a one time manual backup, or schedule daily or repeating backups. The backup utility will compress your database, and also add a date and time stamp. Just follow the instructions posted on our website to help secure a little peace of mind.

Quickly restoring your employee time clock database from a backup file could mean the difference between minor inconvenience and major payroll hassles.

Jeff Morrow

Redcort Software