James, thanks for bringing this to our attention. No matter how hard we try to keep current with this, it remains a challenge. Now is clearly the time to stop procrastinating and get back on schedule.
Wendell, this has always been an issue and I agree it has become more of a problem as AC gets more and more tied to the internet. I have not done this in V9 yet, and now is the time. So let's talk about the specifics of how to handle it, and see if you guys have a suggestion for me...
The way I have always verified back-ups is by using the enc file on a computer that is not connected to our regular network. In my case, I use one at my home. What I will do now is get a "key" from AC, install the program on the home computer, then do a restore with the enc file from work. One problem is that the home computer must be connected to the internet to see if the back-up functions appropriately. On the other hand, I have found that if I leave it connected, things get screwed up. For example, certain labs arriving via interface show up on the home computer. So my questions are: 1. am I still describing the best way to check a back-up, and 2. what is the easiest way to leave AC on the home computer, leave the computer connected to the internet, but "turn-off" the connection from AC to the internet until I want to check a back-up again?
