Before updating make a backup copy of your data file, artdat30.mdb

You should always back up your data file before installing a new version. You can use the WorkingArtist Compact and Backup utility to make a backup or simply make a copy in Windows Explorer. Put the backup in a directory outside of your WorkingArtist30 directory.

Backup the artdat30.mdb file using the WorkingArtist 3.0 Compact and Backup function.

1. Make sure that the WorkingArtist application is closed.
2. Go to Start/Programs/WorkingArtist30/ Compact and Backup to display the WorkingArtist Compact and Backup Utility.
3. Click on the Get Data Path button to locate and retrieve the path of your artdat30.mdb file.
4. WorkingArtist will automatically enter a backup path name into the Backup Data Path box.
-- You can change this path to the path of your choice, however, the folder you wish to back up to must already exist.
-- If you want to backup to a folder on your zip drive, type e:\artdat30.mdb into this field. This assumes that "e" is the letter of your zip drive.
-- We recommend using a data name for your backup file, such as WA070602.mdb (for WorkingArtist, 2007, June 2). This way you will always know at a glance the date you created the backup and you will never overwrite a previous backup.
-- Once you have three backups, you can delete the oldest one.
5. Click on the Compact button in the upper section of the utility.

Backup the artdat30.mdb file using Windows Explorer.

1. Make sure that the WorkingArtist application is closed.
2. From your desktop, right click on the MyComputer icon.
3. From the drop-down menu, click on Explore.
4. Locate your WorkingArtist data file. Here is a link to a WorkingArtist Knowledge Base article on Locating the WorkingArtist 3.0 data file (artdat30.mdb) on your Hard Drive.
5. Click once on artdat30.mdb to highlight it.
6. Click on the Copy button at the top of the screen or select File/Copy. This does not appear to do anything, but it actually copies artdat30.mdb to your Windows clipboard, which is an invisible holding place.
7. On the left side of the screen which lists your folders, locate the folder you want to copy the backup of artdat30.mdb to.
-- If you want to copy to a zip disk, make sure a zip disk is in the zip drive and double-click on the letter of your zip drive. It probably says something like "removable drive."
-- If you want to simply copy to a folder on your hard drive, locate that folder and double-click on it to select it.
8. Click on the Paste button at the top of your screen or select File/Paste from the file menu. This takes the copy that is on the Windows clipboard and pastes (copies) it into the folder you have selected. If you have previously copied artdat30.mdb to this folder, you will receive a message box asking if you want to replace the previous file with the current one. Say "Yes".

PLEASE NOTE! The copy you make of the data file, artdat30.mdb, cannot be opened on it’s own. If you attempt to do this, you will receive an error. You can open backup from Main Switchboard File/ Switch to backup. If you need your backup, you must copy it back into the WorkingArtist directory and make sure it is named artdat30.mdb. It can only be used in conjunction with the other files in the directory and the application can only be opened from the WorkingArtist icon on your desktop or through the program menu.

Installing an update from the WorkingArtist website.

1. To update WorkingArtist, you can download an update from the WorkingArtist website.
2. When downloading the file, you will have the option to either "Run" or "Save" the file. We strongly recommend that you save the file to a folder on your hard drive.
3. Double-click on the downloaded file to launch the install process.

If you have any questions or problems please call technical support at 360-943-9092.

To see a list of the enhancements and fixes by version number, go to Knowledge Base Article #Q1011--Version Enhancements.

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