The following is an example of a batch file that could be used to run the Tabs3 Data File Integrity Check and Archive Integrity Check programs and then start a backup routine.

@ECHO OFF
C:
CD\Tabs3
DEL DFICREPORT.TXT
TBMAIN.EXE JOHN /LOG_OFF_USERS (Platinum Only)
TBMAIN.EXE JOHN /DFIC
IF ERRORLEVEL=1 ECHO Errors found in Tabs3 Billing DFIC. Check T3DFIC.LOG for details >> DFICREPORT.TXT
TBMAIN.EXE JOHN /AFIC
IF ERRORLEVEL=1 ECHO Errors found in Tabs3 Billing AFIC. Check T3AFIC.LOG for details >> DFICREPORT.TXT
CALL C:\BATCH\BACKUP.BAT ECHO The backup was performed. >> DFICREPORT.TXT
ECHO Please check the log file created by your backup software. >> DFICREPORT.TXT
DFICREPORT.TXT

EXPLANATION: This batch file example is designed to be run as a Windows scheduled task. Your drive and path may be different depending where Tabs3 has been installed and where your external backup batch file is located. This particular example is written such that it uses a backup process that does not require user intervention. This batch file deletes and then recreates a text file to store messages regarding the integrity check and backup processes. When the scheduled task is launched (typically after working hours) Tabs3 will be launched with the specified User ID (see the Tip below for more information on creating a User ID for this purpose). For Platinum firms, any users whose activities would conflict with the Tabs3 Integrity Checks will be prompted to log out of the software, and will be automatically logged out after two minutes. Then the Tabs3 Data File Integrity Check will be run, followed by the Archive Integrity Check. If errors are found, a message will be written to the DFICREPORT.TXT file. Once the Integrity Checks are complete, the BACKUP.BAT file is launched to run the external backup. After the BACKUP.BAT file has executed, a message indicating that the backup was performed and reminding you to check the log file created by the backup is written to the DFICREPORT.TXT. The DFICREPORT.TXT file is then opened in the default text editor, notifying you if errors were found.

Tip: To make this process even easier for firms with password security, consider setting up a new access profile via System Configuration that has access only to the Data File Integrity Check and Archive Integrity Check programs and the Log Off Users feature (Platinum required). Then, create a new User ID with no password and assign this user to the new access profile. Finally, specify this User ID on the command line as part of the batch file. When you double-click the icon, you will not be required to enter a User ID or password before the integrity checks begin.

Note: If you are the office administrator, you may want to configure this batch file to run from the server, with a separate scheduled task on your workstation to open the DFICREPORT.TXT the next morning.

Note: You can configure this batch file to perform integrity checks in all of the installed Tabs3 Software applications prior to performing a backup.

See also:   Startup Options