Nightly database backups are an important tool for your shop; they help your store save all its data in the event of a server crash. With an up-to-date backup, your system can be completely restored with minimal loss of information.

For a database backup to run...

• The server computer must be on.
• The server computer should be set so it does not go to sleep.
• Ascend must be open.
• The Ascend.Rms.Agent Windows service must be running in Services. See the Handling internet outages or connection issues article for troubleshooting.
• Ascend must be able to connect to the location of the backup (whether it's being saved to a folder, the cloud, or another location).

Now, if the computer is off, or Ascend was not open, the backup just won't run at the specified time. The backup would run once the computer is turned on again and Ascend is opened. You wouldn't get a "backup failed" email in this situation; you'd just get the "backup succeeded" email later.

If the backup fails (and you get a "backup failed" email in your email inbox)

The most likely explanation is:

• Either your server computer's hard drive or the backup location does not have adequate space available.
  Note: Depending on your store's size, number of products, and amount of time you've been using Ascend, your backup size will likely be around 200-600 MB (larger and/or older stores may require significantly larger space).
• Ascend can't connect to the specified location for the backup to be stored (e.g. if the backup destination is password-protected).

Check where your database backups are saved

1. In Ascend, go to Options > General.
2. Look under Scheduled Back Up on the bottom portion of the window.
3. Make sure Automatically back up database each day is checked, and the time is set (we recommend outside of work hours in the evening).
4. Select the Edit icon next to Destination.
   
5. The Browse for Folder window opens. If the current destination if legitimate, it will be highlighted already. If it's not, a different folder (or no folder) will be highlighted.
6. If needed, select a folder that appears in the Browse for Folder window to reset your Destination for backups.
7. Select OK.
8. In Options in Ascend, make sure the Email Notify box is filled out.
   1. To send the email notification to multiple inboxes, simply separate them with a comma. For example: help@ascendrms.com, sales@ascendrms.com.
9. Select OK.

Check your server computer's sleep settings

1. Go to Control Panel on your computer.
2. Select Power Options.
3. Whichever plan your computer has selected, click Change plan settings for it.
4. Under Put the computer to sleep, select Never from the dropdown menus.
   
5. Select Save changes. 

Now what?

After checking your Ascend Options and computer Power Options, make sure to sign into the current session of Ascend on your server computer. You can log out again if you like - but do not close the Ascend program.

Then we wait!

If you get another "backup failed" email in your inbox tomorrow, Contact support for assistance 

KB22-165