I have tried to just copy the database file from the server to a thumb drive and I always get the message the database is in use and can not be accessed (probably due to the SQL engine constantly "running"). So, what I do is save an extra copy of the backup to an external drive and then copy my Imported items folder onto the same drive (since my Imported Items are not backed up automatically). This will let me set up an exact duplicate on another machine that has ver 4 of AC loaded onto it.
(To do this I set AC on the laptop to run as a standalone program and then reboot so the SQL resets itself. I then rename the old Imported Items folder, copy the "new" Imported Items folder to the AC folder on the backup machine, and then copy the backup copy to the AC folder. I then run the Restore program. Has worked for me three times now without a hitch and is much faster than trying to get a backup by syncing my laptop and my server). For my database this whole process takes about 20-25 minutes from initial server backup to loading on the "backup" laptop. You could easily do this on a desktop as well.
Last edited by ScottM; 05/08/2009 5:48 AM. Reason: Clarification
