Karen's Replicator has been UPDATED!

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RickInHouston
Posts: 22
Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:17 am

Karen's Replicator has been UPDATED!

Post by RickInHouston » Mon Nov 02, 2020 5:34 am

I used Karen's Replicator (Google it) as my backup software. It's freeware. Windows 10 killed it's functionality. Sounds like the gentleman that wrote the code died a few years ago. Karen's Tools page says the kids picked up the ball and updated the code. It now is supposed to work with Windows 10.

I ran a backup of my folders: Apteryx (all images), OpenDentalImages and mysql. It copied them as requested.

Can anyone who knows more confirm? Can Open Dental confirm that this is now a workable strategy? I have it copy every Thurs night. This, along with my printed daysheets, has been my backup routine.

Please help me out if this is inadequate.

joes
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Joined: Tue Aug 13, 2019 12:41 pm

Re: Karen's Replicator has been UPDATED!

Post by joes » Mon Nov 02, 2020 10:38 am

I could not find much in the way of documentation for this tool and cannot vouch for its safety, but the OpenDentImages folder and the mysql folder do contain everything needed for a complete Open Dental Backup. As long as this tool is copying all of the files in these locations, the copies should constitute a valid backup. We also have recommendations for backup frequency, encryption, and storage location that can be found in our manual, https://www.opendental.com/manual/backups.html. Assuming the tool is in no way malicious, it does not expose patient data in a way that would violate HIPAA, and you are able to restore the backups and validate them, it should be okay to use.
Joe Sullivan
Open Dental Software
http://www.opendental.com

RickInHouston
Posts: 22
Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:17 am

Re: Karen's Replicator has been UPDATED!

Post by RickInHouston » Mon Nov 02, 2020 10:49 am

Thanks, Joe. It was the mysql file, for some technical reason, that could no longer be copied, I believe.

Anyway, so glad to see it back and viable. It was my go-to for years.

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jordansparks
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Re: Karen's Replicator has been UPDATED!

Post by jordansparks » Mon Nov 02, 2020 10:50 am

How cool is that! My favorite backup utility, back in the day. I hope they figure out how to monetize it to keep it going.
Jordan Sparks, DMD
http://www.opendental.com

GSKvIT
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Joined: Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:04 am

Re: Karen's Replicator has been UPDATED!

Post by GSKvIT » Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:17 am

The industry best right now is Veeam in my opinion.

Here is the community edition free for use. If you've got a NAS or a hyper-v this is a great tool. It even offers SQL backups specifically.

We use this for various clients on Dentrix, ClearDent or even in other industries using SQL.

https://www.veeam.com/virtual-machine-b ... -free.html
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