backing up a database

[joeblow2]

Hi:

I need help in finding out how to make a backup of my database. When I look at the size of the file of my backend (database) it is about 10 MB. However, when I go to Tools|Database Utilities|Backup Database, it only creates a file of about 1 MB.

This is causing me to wonder if using the menu as described above is really creating a backup. In the event that my current database gets corrupted or becomes unusable will I be able to refer my frontend to point to the backedup database of 1 MB that I would have created?

Just making a file copy/paste of my database file (10 MB) gives me an error saying something to the effect that copying the database file will result in some information being lost.

Any help will be much appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[boblarson]

Try running COMPACT AND REPAIR on your current backend. You'll see that it will likely compact down to 1Mb which matches your backup. The thing is, when it does the backup it compacts it as well.

 

[joeblow2]

Thanks boblarson.