The server contains the actual database. Everything you enter into VT and every report you receive from VT is stored in the database. Marketron could replace all other VT software, all your hardware, and anything else if something happened to your computer system. What we could not replace is your database because only you have that information.
The importance of backups was discussed in the introduction to this manual. Backups are the insurance that you will not lose lots of data because of equipment failures, file damage or procedural mistakes that can not be undone.
The purpose of the backup is data protection by making copies of the database. If something happens, you can restore or recover the data from the most recent backup. For this reason, it is important to know when backups are performed and which one was last used. Keeping a backup log is a good idea. A daily backup means you probably will never lose more than one day’s work in the worst of situations.
Visual Traffic support recommends you perform a daily backup of the VT database. Purchase and label five tapes Monday through Friday and use one tape for each day of the week. Using this method, you should never be more then 24 hours away from the ability to restore.
In addition to the daily tapes, use one additional tape that contains a complete backup of all files on the VT server. This complete backup should be performed once a month in addition to the regular database backups. A complete backup should also be performed after any program (software) upgrades.
Most tapes are rated for about 100 backup uses. If you use a tape for each day of the week, that means you can normally expect a tape to last about two years before it needs replacement. When you purchase a tape, put the date you begin using the tape on the label. Replace the tape after it has been used for two years before you start having backup problems. Your sixth tape, used for monthly backups, will last longer.
The folder named CCC contains all of the software specific to VT including the database information. As a minimum, the database file is what you need to backup to protect all your broadcast data. It is typically located at C:\CCC\VT\DATABASE. The filename is Vtdb.db. If another file named VTdb.log is present, it must also be part of the backup.
We use the drive letter "C" in this example, but you can install VT on other drive surfaces. Replace the "C" with the drive letter you have chosen.
The CCC folder also contains a VT folder. The Visual Traffic programs are installed here in C:\CCC\VT.
The CCC folder does not contain the operating system or other programs you may value. It is a good idea to establish procedures to backup everything at least periodically. Of course, anything you work on frequently should be backed up regularly to prevent data loss.