How to Validate Your Abacus Law Backup Files Using a Second Computer

This process is designed to check the integrity of your Abacus backup on a second computer. To perform this task you must be able to log onto that computer as a local Administrator so the program will install with ‘rights’ to do a restore from a backup.

1. Copy your zipped Abacus Law backup file to the C: drive of the computer you plan to test it on.
   • To locate the file go to the backup destination folder on your Abacus computer and copy the most recent Law_0001.zip file. Note: the four digits after the “_” in the file name may be different so choose the one with the most current date.
2. Use the download link to install a blank copy of Abacus on to the second computer.
   • DO NOT enter your Firm ID or Firm Name during the installation process. The program will continue to install unregistered.
3. After the install completes open the Abacus program.
   • You will notice that the Name Plate on the main window reads “Your name appears here after registration”. This is normal. DO NOT activate or register this installation.
4. Go to File > Utilities > Back Up > Restore
5. Navigate to the C: drive location that you copied your backup file to.
6. Select that file and choose to restore ALL data.
7. After the data is restored you will be warned that you are running the program on an “UNAUTHORIZED” network and that the program will run in “VIEW ONLY” mode. Don’t be alarmed, this is normal.
8. You will now be able to view and validate your data.
   • Check the calendar in AbacusLaw to ensure latest events are included and check that all Notes are available by doing a Browse All Notes
   • Open Abacus Accounting and check that the Check Register and Time Ticket Diary are current and up-to-date.
9. If everything looks in order then you know that the zipped backup is good.
10. Remember, this is solely for checking the backup file. You will not be able to add, delete, or edit information in this installation.