May 8, 2015

How I'm Backing Up MDS: Part 5 Program Backup

There are a couple of things that you will want to consider when backing up your program files that differ from backing up your content downloads that I will cover today.

Download all Program Installers that Include Content
I am backing up all program installers that included content.
For instance, I had the original MDS on CD, so I already have an external copy of that. However, the MDS Express Trial version that was available in the past had different content on it than the original CDs did. Therefore, although you may be tempted to skip this download you should still grab it if you have it in your download manager.
Also, if you purchased MDS when it was called MDS 2+ you will also want to download these installers- they once again include content (that is what the '+' referred to). If you do not know what I am talking about when I say MDS 2 don't fret- they changed the name back to plain MDS (evidently the 2 confused to many people).

Get the most recent program update
Just reinstalling the program from the program file won't be enough. You will need the most recent update. You can grab that HERE. However, note that this site will only be open during May and a couple days into June... so get it now while you can.

If you ever have to reinstall your program you would do it in this order:

  1. Original MDS (if you have it)
  2. MDS Express Trial (if you have it)
  3. MDS 2+ (or the current MDS)
  4. Last program update

Then you could proceed to install all the content into what should be a completely restored program.

Make sure you also have your program key
Reinstalling your program won't do much good if you don't have your product key. And if you are like me you can't remember where the email with it even is anymore. Never fear. It is stored right in the program itself. Just open up MDS, click MDS->About MDS in the menu, and then click the Support tab. The last line should list your product key. Take a screenshot of this and save it with your program and you should be good to go!


Flutterby again soon!

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2 comments:

Shelly said...

Amber,

Do I have to uninstall any of the MDS before I reinstall? And please tell me you are keeping your MDS info up on your web site. Pleaseeeee.
Thank you,
Shelly

Amber said...

The only reason I think you would have to reinstall MDS is if it crashed and stopped working. And in that case- yes I would suggest uninstalling it first to make sure all the 'bad stuff' is cleaned away (don't you just love my techy language :) ). Technically I don't think you have to do it, but it seems like the best practice to make sure everything will work after the reinstall.
And I do plan to leave all old MDS posts on here :) In fact, I'm sure I will keep adding posts now and then as I still LOVE MDS and use it for all my own photobooks and party supplies. I will however delete the 'MDS Resources' tab at the top of my blog. Pretty much all that info is geared towards sites that will no longer exist... so I don't want to leave it hanging around to confuse anyone. :)
Thanks for stopping by!