How to backup MAS 90 or MAS 200

We’re frequently asked which Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 data files should be backed up to ensure that to ensure that there is a completely restorable set of program and data files.

While you can attempt to backup files in any number of ways (only those that change or incremental as well as full backup) the only method we recommend is a full backup of all data files.

All versions of Sage MAS 90 and 200 are installed to a folder \MAS90 (note that this folder name is NOT different for Sage MAS 200).

To Find Where MAS 90 Is Installed – All Levels:

To discover the exact path where your Sage MAS 90 is installed (note that this procedure is different for anyone using MAS 200) – start the MAS 90 program and select File and Run from the menu.

In the sample image above your Sage MAS 90 program and data is all stored within the network drive h:\acct\v4.2\mas90.

In order to backup you’d specify that all of the data in the \mas90 folder and all subfolders should be saved.

While you technically may be able to only back up files that have changed we recommend that you take the entire folder (and all subfolders).

This will back up the core MAS 90 program and data files.

If you are using third party programs such as FRX you also should be sure to backup the SYSDATA folder (locatable via the FRX – Administration panel).

Be sure to backup any paperless office files (PDF) – the location of which can be stored nearly anywhere on your network (review the Paperless Office setup menu for Journals and Registers, Period End, Report, and Form in order to see where you’ve specified the Paperless documents should be stored. These are NOT automatically inside the \MAS90 folder so you should take care to locate their custom location).

To Find Where MAS 200 Is Installed – All Levels:

The procedure for MAS 200 backup is essentially the same as above except you cannot normally use the *INFO solution to find where MAS 200 is installed because it provides the location of your local workstation configuration file — when what you want is the location of the network data.

One way to discover where MAS 200 is installed on the server is to work directly on the server and look under the Administrative options and check the MAS 200 service which should display the location that MAS 200 is installed on the server.

TIPS:

Have everyone out of Sage MAS 90 or 200 when you backup. If there is someone in the system you run the chance of a data file (or files) not transferring properly because they are in use.

Before finalizing a backup policy – double check that you have located the correct folder containing current Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 data. It is a good idea to check the data file dates to be sure they are current and display the date of the last time you performed data entry in the system. Your MAS 90 and MAS 200 data files are stored in the MAS90\MAS_xxx folder where xxx is your 3 character Sage MAS 90 or 200 company code.

Always test your backups to be sure that you can restore the data. After you’ve made a test restore – go into the data and be sure it is current and complete. Test your restore to a separate server so as not to over-write existing data.

Keep as many copies of your backups as you have space for. At a minimum we recommend two weeks of daily backups and 12 monthly and 1 yearly backup. Where backups are concerned – always err on the side of having too many.

Remember – proper backup procedures are one of your most important responsibilities to safeguard against loss of data. The information here is general in nature and cannot possibly cover every user situation. You are advised to test all backups by performing a full restore to a test location to verify that your procedure is working.