How to: Reduce POS Backup time

Backup is necessary to ensure data continuity in the POS. In case of file corruption, a virus attack or an abnormal shutdown, you might need to format your system. This could lead to a complete loss of valuable data (if there is no backup). The long downtime at POS can be avoided by keeping a regular or daily backup. If we keep a backup of all our GINESYS POS data, then POS can be up and running with minimal or no loss of data even if there are major operational issues.

But taking a full POS Backup may be daunting task if the daily data generation from a POS is huge. This article shows how to reduce POS Backup taking time.

Step-by-step guide

The process is divided into the following steps:

1. The first step is to get the actual log file location (Primary, Secondary and Transaction Log) in ‘NPOS’ database. To do so, use the following query:
   
   SELECT NAME, PHYSICAL_NAME AS [Current File Location]
   FROM SYS.MASTER_FILES
   WHERE NAME='NPOS'
   
                    

   Note the location.

2. Go to this location using the steps below:
   
   

   1. Go to Run (Windows key and R).

   2. Paste or type in the file location (except file name with extension).

   3. Then click OK or press Enter.

      
                                   
      
      

3. Check the Transaction Log file size either in the Size column or in the highlighted area below as shown.
   
                           
   
   

4. If the file size is more than 500 MB, then it needs to be decreased or shrunk. To do so follow the path (as shown): (Right Click) NPOS Database > Tasks > Shrink > Files. The Shrink File-NPOS _logwindow opens.
   
                       
   
   

5. SelectLogfrom theFile typedrop-down list. Along with that, also selectRelease unused spaceoption in theShrink actionsection. Then clickOK.
   
   

   Note: File Type must be Log before shrinking or else you will lose valuable data.

   
   

      
   
   

6. Go back to the file location and check theTransaction Logfile size again. If the file size is reduced, then take a backup.
   
                       
   

   Note: If the file size doesn’t decrease, then log a ticket at the Ginesys Care.