Suggestion: backup old version before synchronizing

[bcdewul]

Suggestion

Following scenario:

Two folders are being compared
- Source folders contain files with the same NAME as in the destination folder, but files in source folders are NEWER

- when updating the destinationfolder, BC3 should

a) rename the old destination file (add modified date-time)
e.g. filexyz.doc => 281210-1000filexyz.doc

b) move the old, renamed, file(s) to a separate folder (including path)
e.g. x:\bc3old2812100\docs\281210-1000filexyz.doc

c) then copy the new file into the destination folder

This way, in case of an accidental synchronization, users can restore the
'old' version.

Maybe this can be accomplished thru scripting, but I am not familiar with scripting. Whilst I do respect all those experts who are indeed familiar with that, I donot have the time to learn this...

TIA

=

[Aaron]

Hello,

While BC3 does not currently offer the level of backups you are looking for, we do offer a single level of backups before a copy or save. You can customize whether it is a rename or moved to a folder in the Tools menu -> Options dialog, Backups section.

You can also manually copy/move the old files before overwriting them by selecting them:
1) Use Display Filters to show only the different/to be copied files
2) Edit menu -> Select All Files
3) Shift + Arrow Keys Left/Right to select only one side
4) Copy To Folder or Move To Folder to "backup" these files. Folder can be manually named with the date.
*This can also be automated with script, if you are interested in pursuing further.

How do these ideas work for you?

[Lutz]

...
a) rename the old destination file (add modified date-time)
e.g. filexyz.doc => 281210-1000filexyz.doc

b) move the old, renamed, file(s) to a separate folder (including path)
e.g. x:\bc3old2812100\docs\281210-1000filexyz.doc

c) then copy the new file into the destination folder
...

I wrote a little sample script for your task, covering parts b) and c):

# 1. enable log for each backup
log verbose "X:\backup\logs\%date%_%fn_time%.log"
# 2. set the comparison criteria
criteria timestamp size
# 3. replace <SOURCE> and <DESTINATION> with appropriate paths
load <SOURCE> <DESTINATION>
# 4. expand to affect subfolders and files
expand all
# 5. select modified, now deleted and renewed files
select right.diff right.orphan right.older
# 6. backup from backup, path:base should cover b)
copyto right path:base X:\backup\%date%_%fn_time%
# 7. update destination
# remove following "#" after test of 1 to 6 were successful
#sync mirror:left->right

I would store it as "X:\backup\<SCRIPTNAME>.bcscript".

To call it create a link to BC3 followed by "@X:\backup\<SCRIPTNAME>.bcscript" and execute it as needed.

Greetings Lutz