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Options to automatically create backup of Access database

Gilberto Sanches
Gilberto Sanches asked
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Dear experts,

What options are there in Access to automatically create a backup of the complete database at opening of the database or daily at a specific time? Preferably when the Access db is opened that a window asks the user if the user wants to create a backup of the database?
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Daniel PineaultPresident / Owner CARDA Consultants Inc.
Distinguished Expert 2018

Commented:
If your db is split, you can at the startup, before a lock file is created on the back-end prompt the user.  If they confirm, then it is a simple filecopy.

You don't want to perform a backup while there exist a lock file.
Gilberto SanchesFreelance ICT Consultant

Author

Commented:
The database is the front end & back end. That is why I want to implement a automatic backup solution.

Filecopy, hmmm, I'll check that out
Daniel PineaultPresident / Owner CARDA Consultants Inc.
Distinguished Expert 2018

Commented:
You really should split your database.

As for FileCopy, see https://www.devhut.net/2010/09/29/ms-access-vba-copy-a-file/ for a function that includes some basic error trapping.
Gilberto SanchesFreelance ICT Consultant

Author

Commented:
Thanks Daniel for recommending the "Split Database" & the VBA file copy codes. I appreciate it
PatHartman
Distinguished Expert 2017

Commented:
Copying a database that is currently open by some other user can lead to corruption.  Backups should happen when all users are out of the application.
Software & Systems Engineer
Distinguished Expert 2019
Commented:
In a scenario FE-BE the FE holds actually nothing so backup is just copying a file.
Now the BE is active so best idea is to have a backup taken just after the shift has ended (or in the less active period)...As Pat said there is some small chance of corruption but in my experience is very small.
In all the cases i used Cobian Backup which has great scheduling and remote handling
Gilberto SanchesFreelance ICT Consultant

Author

Commented:
Good to know PatHartman.

As recommended, I created a split DB. I'll then schedule the backup after workhours. Thanks for the software John, I'll use it.