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Backups
A backup is a copy of your entire PowerGrade data file. A backup
makes a copy of not only scores and assignments, but also your preferences
and other personal settings. The PowerSchool server stores the backup
files in a folder named PowerGrade Backups. Back up your PowerGrade
data file at least once per day.
Saving your work in PowerGrade is not the same as making a backup
of PowerGrade. Saving your work sends data to the PowerSchool server
after you shut down PowerGrade. You can access assignments and scores
immediately and directly from PowerSchool.
A backup is a duplicate copy of your entire data file on the PowerSchool
server. It includes assignments, scores, and preferences. If you
diligently make daily backups of your data, you can retrieve the
data if your data file in PowerGrade becomes lost or damaged.
To remember to back up PowerGrade when shutting down the application,
follow these three steps: Save, back up, and quit.
How to Make a Backup
Note: You are encouraged to discuss this task with your
PowerSchool administrator before backing up for the first time.
Make sure you back up the correct file.
- Choose an available class from the Classes menu. The class page
for the selected class appears.
Note: You can choose any class, since the backup gathers
data for all classes.
- Choose File > Make Backup.
- PowerGrade sends your entire data file to the backup folder
on the PowerSchool server. In general, PowerSchool stores the
last five backups made.
Note: If you do not know the name and location of the
data file currently open, choose File > Preferences. Then
click the PowerSchool tab.
- Click OK when a message appears indicating the backup was successful.
Alternatively, make a backup of your PowerGrade data file to save
on your local computer. Save the file to a location such as a floppy
disk drive or your hard drive. Enter the filename extension ".data"(Mac)
or ".4DD" (Windows). These backup file locations are also
subject to corruption; therefore, it is wise to make two backups
each day: one to a local drive and another to the PowerSchool server.
How to Retrieve the Last Backup
Backups are crucial in the event that your computer crashes or
your data file becomes damaged. By making a backup of your data
file, you can direct the PowerSchool server to restore your backup
data. Before doing so, discuss the task with your PowerSchool administrator;
though this is not a difficult procedure, you should minimize the
risk of losing important records and information.
Note: If your computer crashes, it is possible that you
also will lose the PowerGrade application used to read the data
file. In that case, reinstall PowerGrade before retrieving the backup
data file. For more information on installing PowerGrade, see the
section "Installation"
and contact your PowerSchool administrator. After installing PowerGrade,
return to the following instructions to restore your backup file.
- Choose an available class from the Classes menu. The class page
for the selected class appears.
- Choose File > Retrieve Last Backup. The system prompts you
to save the file.
- Open the local folder where you want to store the backup file.
- Enter the name for the backup file.
Note: This must be a different name than that of the
original data file so that you do not overwrite it. Be sure
to include the ".data" (Mac) or ".4DD" (Windows)
filename extensions at the end of the file name. For example,
name the file Backup Data File.data.
- Click Save.
Note: PowerGrade appears after it pulls a copy of the
data file to your local computer. To open the data file, you
must first quit PowerGrade.
- Choose File > Quit. If prompted to save your changes, click
Save.
PowerGrade closes, and you are ready to open the backup data file.
Since there are now two local data files, follow the specific instructions
below for opening the correct copy of the file.
How to Open the Backup File
- Immediately after starting PowerGrade, press Option (Mac) or
Alt (Windows). The Open Data File dialog appears.
- Locate and select the backup data file.
- Click Open. PowerGrade opens using the backup data file.
- Delete or rename any unused data files to avoid confusion, especially
during future backups. If the file PowerGrade is currently using
is the file you delete, do not make changes or entries to the
spreadsheet or settings. These changes are lost when you delete
the file. If necessary, rename the remaining data file.
Note: If you do not know the name and location of the
data file currently open, choose File > Preferences. Then
click the PowerSchool tab.
Continue working with PowerGrade. The application might prompt
you to enter a data file the next time you start it. If so, select
the data file and click Open.
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