Making a system backup for disaster recovery

When using LabSolutions versions that utilise a database (LabSolutions DB), regular system backups are recommended to ensure that data is not lost in the event of hard disk failure.  

With the system backup function, you can back up the LabSolutions database. Then if some problem occurs, you can return to the state at the time of the backup, even if the server or database is damaged. In addition, this function can perform a backup while LabSolutions is operating.

The guide below describes a manual backup and restore of the database. The attached PDF guide also describes this procedure, as well as steps for automating a periodic backup process.

Usage Notes
Note the following points when using this function.

• You can perform a backup while LabSolutions is operating. However, a considerable load is applied to the server during the backup, so it is recommended that you schedule it for when instrument usage is low.
• Windows administrator rights are required to implement the backup.

Setting the Backup Destination

1) Open the following file using Notepad.
C:\LabSolutions\System\config\LSSSystemBackupConfiguration.xml

2) Specify the backup destination folder between <BackupPath> and </BackupPath>

Note:
For the backup destination, specify a different drive from the system, such as NAS. The backup destination folder must be created in advance.

3) Save the file and close Notepad.

Performing a Manual Backup

1) Run the application as a Windows administrator.
C:\Program Files (x86)\LabSolutions\LSSSystemBackup.exe

2) The progress is displayed during the backup. When the backup is complete, the application will close.

Checking the Results of a Backup

1) When a system backup is performed, a folder is created at the backup destination for each backup implementation day and time, and the database and system files are backed up inside these folders.

2) Open the PDF file and check that everything is OK.

Restoration Procedures

The LabSolutions database can be restored based on the files backed up.
Note that the computer and server being restored must be in the following condition.

• The operating system and database are operating as usual.
• LabSolutions is installed and the LabSolutions database has been created in same folder.

Setting the Restoration Source

1) Open the following file using Notepad.
C:\LabSolutions\System\config\LSSSystemRestoreConfiguration.xml

2) Specify the folder containing the files to restore between <RestorePath> and </RestorePath>

3) Save the file and close Notepad.

Implementing the Restoration

1) In the [Control Panel]-[Administrative Tool]-[Services] window, stop "LSSService"

2) Run the following application as a Windows administrator.
C:\Program Files (x86)\LabSolutions\LSSSystemRestore.exe

Note:
If the database connection addresses for backup and restoration are different, the database connection address replaces the backup connection address after restoration is executed. Before execution, take a note of the database connection address of the restoration destination.