Is Your Backup Working Correctly?

Is Your Backup Working Correctly?

A current backup is very important in case of a computer failure or other major problems with the shop. We recommend you regularly check your backups are working correctly through one or all of the areas below:

Check Backup Destination

  1. On the Main/Server computer, find the RetailerV3 Backup icon (Blue R)
  2. Down the left, click on Settings (1) → Database Settings (2)
  3. At the top of the page, 'This is the Server' (3) should be ticked. If it is not ticked, you are not on the Main computer. Try a different computer.
  4. Down the left, click Backup Files (4)
  5. Under Backup Destinations, the Archive File and Archive File 2 boxes contain the location(s) where your Retailer Backup is saved. Note the Backup Destinations. You may only have one destination set. This is fine.
    1. If the Backup Destination in Archive File or Archive File 2 starts with C:\ then the backup is being saved to the Main/Server PC.
    2. THIS IS UNSAFE as it does not protect against the hard drive of the Main/Server PC failing or a shop fire/flood.
      1. The exception to this is if the folder is uploading to a Cloud Storage (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive)
    3. See HERE to change the Backup Destination
  6. Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to the backup destination folder in Archive File or Archive File 2
    1. This could be a USB drive under 'Devices and drives' in 'This PC'
  7. Check the Date Modified of the Retailer Backup file (.ret)
    1. Date Modified should show the last time you backed up. Otherwise contact Tower Support
  8. Check the Size of the Retailer Backup file (.ret)
    1. The Backup File Size should not be 0 KB
  9. In Retailer Backup, click Backup Now to run a backup. Take Note of any Errors/Warnings during the process.
    This process will come up with a prompt 'Backup Successful' if the Backup has worked
Confirm This is the Server in Retailer Backup


Note Backup Destinations in Retailer Backup


Check Date Modified and File Size in Windows File Explorer


Check Retailer for the last successful backup

  1. Close and reopen Retailer.
  2. In the bottom-right of the main screen, you will see the date of the last successful backup.
    You may need to click the double down arrow ⏬ button in the bottom-right corner to show the Last Backup Date. Tick 'Pin Notification Panels' in the Main Screen options to open the Notification panel automatically.
    If you still cannot see it, open RetailerV3 Backup (Blue R) and tick 'Show last successful backup in Main Screen'.
    1. If the backup is current, the text will appear in white.
    2. If the last backup is older than 3 days, the text will appear in red.

Free Backup Check

Tower Systems offers a free Backup Check service to our supported customers to ensure that their backups are working correctly.
You can email us a download link of your latest backup file, or log a support ticket with the help desk.
You can also mail one of your USB sticks to us (our office address 3A Lynch St, Hawthorne, VIC 3122), attention to Backup Check. We will test your backup and ensure that the data restores successfully.

Why Has My Backup Failed

There can be several reasons your Retailer backup may fail. Below is a list of common errors and how to resolve them.

Backup failed or aborted! File failed to save into Destination

You will encounter this error if your Archive File destination is incorrect or there is no storage device available on the specified drive letter. Double-check your Archive File folder destination.

Backup to file failed. (Size incorrect)

This error can occur if your backup device has insufficient space to store your backup file or if your backup file exceeds 4 GB. Check that your storage device has sufficient space. If you're using a USB flash drive, right-click the drive to verify that it is formatted as NTFS or exFAT, so the file system supports files larger than 4 GB.

Backup fails with 'Creating Live Copy of Database'

The Live Backup option should not typically be enabled unless you need to operate 24/7, as the backup will take longer to complete and may cause failures. To disable the option:
  1. Retailer Backup → Settings → Backup Settings
  2. Untick Live Backup (this is slower and means Retailer can still run)

If you still have issues with your backup, please email a screenshot or photo of your error to support@towersystems.com.au for further assistance.

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