TechNotes. Revision 3/9/2011. Backup Objects

Transcription

1 TechNotes Revision 3/9/2011 Backup Objects Overview: This document describes how to use the Backup Object function in the g! system to duplicate any folder on the local hard disk, typically through the Event Mapper. The following steps describe how to create a folder on the Controller and then use Backup Objects with an Event Map to duplicate a folder. This can be useful when you are remote and wish to create a duplicate of your installation folder prior to applying a beta update, or can be useful to setup an automated backup. Note that backup folders will contain all configuration files, but are typically only useful on the system they were created on, and technical support may need to be contacted to actually use them. Backup Objects could be used to backup any folder, including pictures, DVR or Music; but bear in mind that like any file duplication they will use significant system resources. Important Notes about the Backup Object function: Backup Object is a recursive copy and will copy the subfolders specified as the source. Backup Object will overwrite any files in the destination folder with the same name. Backup Objects are not compatible with network shares that require authentication. Creating a Backup Object: 1) Create a Destination Folder for the Backup Object. The easiest way to do this is to use the local network shares provided by the g! Controller. This must be done on-site. This procedure is written as if the backup is for the main system folder; though it could be used for other file types. This step only applies to Controllers with local storage. If using a HC without a Hard Disk or a MultiBrick create a folder on your network storage as appropriate and skip to step 2. a) For a HC Controller, open My Computer (or Computer on Win7/Vista) on your computer and type into the address bar, \\hcxx (without the quotes). This will display the local share folders for Music, Pictures, and Files. b) For a HomeBrick Controller, open My Computer (or Computer on Win7/Vista) on your computer and type into the address bar, \\hlgateway (without the quotes). This will display the local share folders for Music, Pictures, and Files. c) Open the FILES share folder, which may be empty or may contain a DVR subfolder. Tech Support: Page 1 of 6

2 d) Create a new subfolder under FILES by right-clicking the white space in My Computer and choosing New > Folder. e) Name the folder appropriately; for example Backup. Note: If you are not on site, it is possible to use the default FILES folder as a destination, but it is strongly recommended to create subfolders so you have a clean, organized directory structure. 2) Create the Backup Object Procedure. Once we have a folder created to use as our destination folder, click on the Input/Output tab to create the Backup Object. a) Right-Click on Backup Objects and click Add New Backup Procedure. b) Name the backup if desired and click Ok. Tech Support: Page 2 of 6

3 c) Edit the settings for the Backup Object as appropriate for your controller. Once again, in this instance our intent is to backup the Homelogic/g! software folder to the local hard disk. HomeBrick: HC-12/HC-8: HC6/HC4/MultiBrick (Network Path Example; for reference only your path may vary): 3) Finally, trigger the backup with an Event Map: a) Click on the Event Mapper tab, right-click Event Maps and Create a New Event Map. b) Name the Event Map Backup or something similar. Tech Support: Page 3 of 6

4 c) If this is a one-time backup, no events are needed. Add a Command in the third row (under Commands) by clicking the Add button on the far right. d) Add the Command: System Family-General System: Backup: Backup Object: Do Backup Tech Support: Page 4 of 6

5 e) To execute this as a one-time backup, simply click Test Commands at the bottom of the Event Map window. Tech Support: Page 5 of 6

6 Setting up a regular backup object: Timed Event: Add a new Timed event, name it backup or something similar, and use this as the event for the Backup Object Event Map. For example: 1. Add the Timed Event on the Event Mapper tab: 2. Add Event to Event Map: 3. The Event Map will now backup the folder every Monday at Midnite. Note that the Backup Object function will always overwrite files in the destination folder: the example given above would overwrite the previous week s backup the next time it runs. Tech Support: Page 6 of 6