Help CenterBacking up your Kennel Connection database
We strongly recommend that you backup your database regularly.
We have supplied a Backup/Restore utility within your software to aid you in the safekeeping of your data. For KC7, the file that contains your data is called WKENNEL7.MDF and also has a separate log file called WKENNEL7_LOG.LDF. These files can be stored in either the KC7 folder or in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\Data folder. If you do not choose to use the backup utility provided by us, there are other backup programs and these are the files you must copy and save.
Warning: These files, when attached to a SQL Server, are locked. If you are using an auto backup software that backs up these files and other files on your computer, it may or may not backup your data properly. We highly recommend using a utility that will run a full backup of your SQL database.
Important: Software Connection LLC. cannot and will not be held responsible for lost or damaged data. It is your responsibility to backup your data. A utility has been provided with your software to aid in the backup of your data. If you need assistance with this utility, contact technical support at Support@SoftwareConnectionLLC.com or 1-888-486-4343 x option 2.
For restore instructions, click on Restoring Kennel Connection 7 database
It is highly imperative that you backup your database at least once a week. However, backing up every day is ideal. If your computer crashes and it has been a week since your last backup, you will need to re-enter a week's worth of data. The only methods we support are the Backup/Restore utility and the internal utility found on your computer with an installation of Kennel Connection.
The Backup utilities provided with your software will create a .BAK file and store it on the drive you select. The Backup/Restore Utility does offer you the option to also create a zip file, while the internal one will create a zip automatically. The backup utilities do not compress the SQL database. As you use the program, your database file will grow, resulting in the possibility that you may eventually need larger storage medium to hold the backed up file. We recommend creating and storing the compressed zip files as they take up less room. (Note that if you backup more than once a day, do not use the "create zip file" option as it will overwrite your other backups from that same day.) You may also decide how many backups you want to store. Seven to fourteen days worth is common.
To backup your database
From inside Kennel Connection:
Click on the utilities menu option at the top and then choose "Backup & Upload".
If you're just creating a backup and have not been requested by support to upload a copy of your database, you can either click the browse button and choose a folder of your choice to send the backup to, or by default it will use C:\KC7\backups folder. Click "Backup" to create a full backup of your database.
When done, you can close or click to view your backup file.
Some suggestions for backup storage:
- For low cost computer file/folder backup check out a service like Carbonite or similar. With services like this, you can choose which folders (or all your folders) you want to be backed up to their cloud storage. Make sure to choose the folder where you're storing your Kennel Connection backups. This way if anything happens to your local hard drive, you can retrieve backups from their servers.
- If you would prefer not to spend extra money on a backup software, you can always utilize an external USB hard drive or thumb drive to backup to. Note that when you plug in one of these external drives, it should show you what drive letter it's using. You may need to look in File explorer under "This PC" to locate the drive letter. When you run the backup utility, make sure to choose the external drive/folder. We recommend unplugging this drive after you take the backup for safe storage.