Looking for backup to floppy software 1

[johnk]

We have developed a stand alone application for distribution to multiple sites with various Win9X OSs. EAch will use either Access or the new MSDE as a database. Our app is basically self installable. <br>
<br>
We are looking for a suitable way to provide backup and restore of the database. The floppy device must be used since that is the only device we can count on being there. Multiple floppy disks will be required.<br>
<br>
Anyone know of such a product?<br>
<br>
Thanks, JohnK

 

[jburek]

I would simply use PKZIP (DOS version) and write a simple batch file to perform the process. If you're familiar enough with batch programming and the many switches within the PKZIP program, you can do just about anything. Here's an example of a batch program I wrote using this philosophy:<br>
<br>
@echo off<br>
cls<br>
s:\shared\mis\transfer\aaplay dpdm.fli<br>
cls<br>
echo.<br>
echo.<br>
echo.<br>
echo ----------Now creating installation diskette for VOTERS list--------------<br>
echo.<br>
echo -------Insert a blank/formatted 1.44 MB floppy disk into drive A: ---------<br>
echo.<br>
echo !!!!!!!!!!!!! Hit CTRL-C at any time to abort process !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br>
pause<br>
echo.<br>
echo -----* Now copying required files to floppy disk - Please wait... *-----<br>
echo.<br>
copy s:\shared\mis\transfer\pkunzip.exe a:\<br>
copy s:\shared\mis\transfer\install.bat a:\<br>
copy s:\shared\mis\transfer\votefile.doc a:\<br>
echo.<br>
echo. <br>
echo.<br>
echo -----* Now compressing VOTERS.ASC file and copying to floppy disk *-----<br>
echo.<br>
s:\shared\mis\transfer\pkzip a:\voters.zip s:\shared\mis\transfer\voters.asc<br>
echo.<br>
echo.<br>
echo -----* Process is completed *-----<br>
echo.<br>
echo.<br>
echo To return to Windows........<br>
pause<br>
<br>
<br>
Best of all, the whole thing is FREE!<br>
Best of Luck!<br>
Jeffrey M. Burek<br>
City of Dearborn / MIS Dept.

 

[johnk]

Hi Jeffrey,<br>
<br>
Thanks very much for your response. In fact, we had created a procedure much like yours for use in development and beta sites but were under the impression that PKZIP is not available for free distribution with commercial software products except as an install aid.<br>
<br>
I'll check further. Thanks again.<br>
<br>
John Kisner<br>
J.L.Kisner & Co.<br>
Greenville, SC

 

[johnk]

Jeffrey,<br>
<br>
Following up on the above:<br>
<br>
PKWARE, the owner of PKZIP, does indeed offer a distribution license to commercial software developers such as us.<br>
<br>
With some help from your post and the availability of this license our problem is resolved.<br>
<br>
Thanks again.<br>
<br>
John Kisner