Network File Backup
Applies to: Worksheet Version 2024.2 and above
The Network File Backup setting is an additional safety feature of Worksheet. Whenever you save a Worksheet .SP4 file to a network location a backup copy of the file will also be created in .SIF Format. The file will be created in a Backup folder located in the same folder as the .SP4 file. The backup file will include -SIF_Backup. The purpose of the file is for data recovery should the primary .SP4 file become corrupted.
The feature is enabled by default. It can be disabled or enabled by going to the Tools tab and selecting Preferences.
You may also select the default location for these files to be saved, or remove the check mark next to Network File Backup to disable the feature. By default the location will be set to (none) which will create a Backup folder in the same location the .SP4 file is saved at.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: My Worksheet file is corrupted; how do I recover my Worksheet from the Backup SIF File?
Answer: If you open a Worksheet file from a network location and it opens with only the grand total line showing, this is a sign the Worksheet file may be corrupted. You should immediately exit the file without saving. You would then open a new blank worksheet file. Then go to the File menu and choose Import Center. Select SIF and click Import. Browse and open the SIF_Backup copy. Once the SIF file is opened, perform a Save As to save the file as a new Worksheet file.
Question: What SIF Format is the backup file using?
Answer: The backup SIF File uses our proprietary CAP Studio SIF Format. This SIF Format retains the most data of the original .SP4 file.
Question: Should this file be used for order entry purposes?
Answer: No. You should continue to create SIF files for order entry purposes from the Export Center. The SIF Backup file should only be used to recover your work should the primary worksheet file become corrupted.
Question: How often is the SIF Backup file updated?
Answer: The file is updated each and every time the main Worksheet file is saved. So the SIF Backup file should always be in sync and contain the same data as the primary worksheet file.
Question: The feature is enabled but when I saved a Worksheet file to my computer it did not create a SIF Backup copy.
Answer: The SIF Backup file is only created if the primary Worksheet file is saved to a network location. A SIF Copy will not be created if the Worksheet file is saved to a local drive.
Question: How do I tell the difference between the backup copy and my Worksheet file since they have the same name?
Answer: The sif backup copy will have the words -SIF_Backup appended to the file name. This should make it clear which is which.