How to Manually Backup your Database

To backup through AbacusLaw, please refer to this guide. This article explains how to backup AbacusLaw, if you are not able to do so through the software.

Standard Data Files Backup

These files are located in your Abacus/vXX/{data directory} (typically, this is named data01). The extensions below represent the necessary files to back-up the main database.

1. In the Abacus directory, back up all files with the file extension ADT, ADM, and ADI. Also include Abacus.add, Abacus.am, and Abacus.ai.
   
   
   
   
2. If you have AbacusLaw v23.16 or earlier installed, also include any files with the file extensions DBF, FPT, and CDX.
3. AbacusLaw tables begin with the law (or lax, which are blank template tables) prefix, Abacus MessageSlips tables begin with the msgs prefix, and Abacus Accounting tables are held in the data01\accounting folder
4. Backup the following directories inside your data directory: accounting, Layouts, Sync.
   
   
   
   
5. Backup the Masters directory inside the vXX folder (the folder above the data directory).
   
   

COMPLETE Data Backup

The above provides a basic backup of Abacus data files (i.e. what is provided in a backup with default settings performed through AbacusLaw). If you want a COMPLETE backup of all data stored by Abacus, also backup the following directories:

1. {data directory}\forms – this stores all Abacus Forms files. Note that, if you do not have any custom-made forms, and are only using forms provided by Abacus, backing up this directory is optional. Abacus-provided forms can be redownloaded from our servers by reinstalling the relevant practice packs in Help > Abacus Update, and clicking Show all items.
   
   
   
   
2. Abacus\Bills – this contains saved copies of all invoices and posting reports generated through Abacus Accounting.
3. Abacus\Docs – this typically contains copies of documents saved through AbacusLaw and linked to names or matters.
4. Abacus\Email – this stores copies of all emails linked to AbacusLaw from Outlook through the Outlook add-in.