As an option, Tabs3 Billing allows a "/DFIC" startup parameter. This allows you to start Tabs3 Billing and automatically run the Data File Integrity Check program. This feature is particularly useful because the Data File Integrity Check can require a lot of time to complete. The "/DFIC" startup option, along with the startup option to automatically start Tabs3 at a specified time, can be used as part of a batch file to start an external backup.

When this option is used and the Data File Integrity Check has completed, Tabs3 Billing will automatically be closed. The report from the most recent Data File Integrity Check can be found in the T3DFIC.LOG file found in the Current Working Directory. A variable of %ERRORLEVEL% is created with a value of "0" if no errors were detected or "1" if errors were detected. See the Batch File to Start an External Backup topic for an example of how to use the %ERRORLEVEL% variable as part of a batch file.

Note: The normal "sign-in" routine is used when Tabs3 Billing is started with the "/DFIC" option. If you have not specified a User ID on the command line, you will be required to enter the User ID. If password security has been defined, you will also be required to enter the password before the Data File Integrity Check will proceed.

Tip: If you are the office administrator, you may want to set up a separate Tabs3 Billing icon on your desktop that starts a batch file to run the Tabs3 Billing Data File Integrity check, Archive Integrity Check and an external backup. You can then simply double-click this icon before you leave each evening so that the integrity checks begin later in the evening after everyone has left the office.

To make this process even easier for firms with password security, consider setting up a new access profile via System Configuration that has access to only the Data File Integrity Check and Archive Integrity Check programs. 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: When using the "/DFIC" startup parameter, the Data File Integrity Check is automatically run with the "Read Only" check box cleared. To force the Data File Integrity Check to run in Read Only mode, you can append “/READ_ONLY” when launching the software with the “/DFIC” parameter.

Note: Platinum firms can use the /LOG_OFF_USERS startup option to automatically log off any users whose current activity would conflict with the Data File Integrity Check. The /LOG_OFF_USERS option must be run on a separate line; it cannot be combined on the same line with the /DFIC parameter.

See also:   Adding a Startup Option
  Startup Options