For the computer folk

[Spiral]

At work we have this quick books database that is always opened by one of our personnel and back-ups are made nightly by our server. The problem is that the backup process fails because it cannot copy a file in use by another user. My question is, is there a way to allow a file to be copied when it is in use?

[Video_Master]

just get an open file agent for your backup server.

[dviskoe]

yeah, that...
or

find out how it does backups, there's probally an in-application way to run a backup too like this:

http://knovaadmin.intuit.com/IPH/Core/QB2K7/admin_n/files_n/info_backup_routine.html?Public=yes&sliceID=&product=

or:

http://knovaadmin.intuit.com/IPH/Core/QB2K7/admin_n/files_n/task_schedule_backup.html

this second one looks like the way to go, it can do a daily backup to a disk location, and even 'groom' old copies.

need help? I work (relatively) cheap ...

[Zinc]

At work we have this quick books database that is always opened by one of our personnel and back-ups are made nightly by our server. The problem is that the backup process fails because it cannot copy a file in use by another user. My question is, is there a way to allow a file to be copied when it is in use?

Nope. I use QB here everyday, and I have to get on peoples cases to MAKE SURE TO CLOSE before they leave the other offices.

[SFC]

just get an open file agent for your backup server.

I'm pretty sure QB won't be in a valid state and he'll just end up with a worthless backup (it's a database, not a flat file). Unless there's hotbackup mode, that thing is going to be corrUPT.

[Spiral]

Hmm, well I have a bash program that goes in makes the backup... The problem is our accounting information was last successfully backed up in May... That would suck!

[Joe M]

Tell them to fucking log out or lose their work.
they should restart their computers at the end of everyshift to all the network team to apply updates and shit anyhow.

[Zinc]

Hmm, well I have a bash program that goes in makes the backup... The problem is our accounting information was last successfully backed up in May... That would suck!

Jesus. I get the stink eye if I don't do it 4 times a week.

[Stormwalker]

file -> close company

At the end of the day. If two mouse clicks are too much additional work for the bookkeeper, fire her and hire another one.

I won't even bother going into the internal control aspect of someone leaving the company books (and possibly payroll if that's done on QB as well) open for just anyone to stroll in and sit down at the workstation. That sure as hell wouldn't fly with an auditor.

[Zinc]

file -> close company

At the end of the day. If two mouse clicks are too much additional work for the bookkeeper, fire her and hire another one.

I won't even bother going into the internal control aspect of someone leaving the company books (and possibly payroll if that's done on QB as well) open for just anyone to stroll in and sit down at the workstation. That sure as hell wouldn't fly with an auditor.

most of the time Payroll is protected. Unless the company is fuckin stupid.

[Stormwalker]

most of the time Payroll is protected. Unless the company is fuckin stupid.

If it's a smaller company, then more times than not there's just one person that does the accounting and payroll. And usually the QB file is password protected. Which does nothing if the person is just leaving the file open all the time.

[Joe M]

If it's a smaller company, then more times than not there's just one person that does the accounting and payroll. And usually the QB file is password protected. Which does nothing if the person is just leaving the file open all the time.

If an Accountant for the company cannot see the need to close an application and log off of the machine, i wouldnt see a need to employ them.

[Fernanernie]

Fuck all that shit, make 'em pay. Force a remote shutdown

[Spiral]

Its quickbooks manufacturing package, the accountants aren't the only ones who use it, pretty much everyone in the office does.

[Spiral]

Fuck all that shit, make 'em pay. Force a remote shutdown

Thats what I ended up doing today to copy the backup file for our contact accountant.