...more Chemstore!?! Backing up data?!

[LC_addict]

As when using chemstore and chemstation its obvious data needs to be backed up in some way. We have decided to use external hard drives to store the data.

For backing up files from 'chemstation' i believe you can simply 'drag' the data from the specific folder. As with chemstore i dont believe its this easy (data can not be seen?).. is it?

Can you help me with the best and easiest way to do this?

Thanks!

[Bluesman75]

you don't say if oracle or access is used as your database with ChemStore.
If it is Oracle then it is worth every penny to talk to an Oracle expert (not Agilent) and learn how to setup cold and hot backups etc.

With access your best bet is to google backup access database. Sorry we use Oracle so I can't help with access databases.

[Garlarg]

The Chemstore is the "bacup service" for the Chemstation.
Do you want to backup the backup, or you just confused the archiving with the backuping?
I don't get it.

[Consumer Products Guy]

Yes. Just copy the Database directory over, use Explorer or utility like Total Commander. We copy the individual database files (each less than 700 MB) to CDs or DVD discs as well using Roxio or Nero.

HPCHEM\Chemstor\database\ is where the database files are. You may need to be in Windows as Administrator to "get down to" those files.

[LC_addict]

Yes. Just copy the Database directory over, use Explorer or utility like Total Commander. We copy the individual database files (each less than 700 MB) to CDs or DVD discs as well using Roxio or Nero.

HPCHEM\Chemstor\database\ is where the database files are. You may need to be in Windows as Administrator to "get down to" those files.

This is how i backup chemstation... Going directly to the data folder and 'clicking and dragging' as one would say. Is it also possible this way with chemstore?! I was confused as i did not know files from chemstore were so 'viewable' ( we use the 'delete raw data' option to comply to certain regs.)

But ta for your help

[Consumer Products Guy]

Those files should be readily viewable to someone logged onto Windows as an administrator (administrator privileges). The Chemstor directory should be automatically locked to anyone having less than that privilege under windows (our analysts sign on to Windows as analyst, which is how we leave the Windows part), and they sign on to Chemstore/Chemstation as themselves, and they have "lab manager" privileges there, while I have Chemstore Administrator privileges.

When I use the GCs and HPLCs, I remain on Windows as User, I only sign on to Windows as administrator to create a new database and back up the old one.

[Bruce Hamilton]

If you are going to the trouble of using Chemstore, it's usually for cGMP, and that has a lot of requirements for security electronic data backup and recovery, as well as extensive documentation of SOPS for archiving, retrievel, and secure and durable storage, as well as controlled access to hardware.

I no longer use a Chemstore C/S / Chemstation system, but when we set it up, the electronic compliance issues meant that we automated both hot and cold backups, using Veritas Backup Exec for Oracle onto 80GB tapes, as suggested by Agilent local agents. I'm sure backup systems have moved on since then.

That means some of the tapes can be sent offsite, as well the routine daily locally-stored backups. I believe Oracle now offer their own similar system, as do several other suppliers.

cGMP electronic data requirements are quite onerous, including control of all users - so no anonymous OS "admin" level accounts - which most corporate IT people enable on servers and networks. It's amazing when you request printouts of who has "manager or admin" level access to computers on networks.

If you are using Chemstore for regulatory compliance, I strongly recommend that you either ensure your local IT people understand cGMP electronic data requirements and are trained for Chemstore or Oracle support, or pay the supplier or contractor to support the system, including the requirement to demonstrate that the system can be restored by authorised and trained staff.

Bruce Hamilton