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Cross Updating: Keeping sites up to date

This procedure is best run at night or over a weekend

Note:
  1. x_send is run via xmenu option 1
  2. x_check is run via xmenu option 2

  1. Stop using the main machine.

  2. On the master machine kill all queued work for the remote machines, use xmenu option a, option i. This will ensure that there is no duplication from 'work in transit'.

  3. Log into the existing branch machine(s) and run

    1. x_send followed by x_check
    2. Log in and integrate any work
    3. Stop using this machine till the files have been transferred.

      This makes sure any unsent work is queued for the master machine and there are no log files around that may get integrated at a later date causing duplication.

  4. From the Master machine:

    1. Force a connection to all remotes (xmenu option 4)

      This will ensure that there is no work remaining on the remote machines that will get missed.

    2. Switch off modem

      We don't want any work to arrive while the backup/transfer is taking place.

    3. Run x_check

      This will ensure that the remote work is in a location the vet system can find.

  5. If you have more than one remote site re-run b) above.

    As the master machine can forward work this ensures any work generate via diii) will be removed.

  6. Login and integrate Gets the master database up-to-date.

  7. Update

    Make any changes etc. to the master file, remove duplications, run bad debt programs, validations etc. Anything that will affect the client files that does not get cross updated. It is also a good idea to add a dummy note to the Play card, this will allow you to the check that every thing worked ok later on.

  8. Transfer files

    Pick xmenu option 5 then option 3 to prepare a transfer file. Unless you have very little data you will be advised to pick the transfer to tape option as modem transfer may take a while.

  9. Users can start adding work to the master machine again.

  10. Take tape to each remote site in turn and:

    1. Use xmenu option 5 then option R to extract the work from the tape.
    2. Run x_check to move the work into the correct place
    3. Login and check the data is valid, check the dummy note you added to the Support card.
    4. If all appears OK then users can start using the machine again.

    Now repeat for the other sites

  11. If any errors occurred the procedure will have to be repeated from the start.

  12. Switch on the modem at the main machine.