If you use MS Backup that comes with Win 98 you may have noticed the annoying lack of a simple feature to auto start the backup. This utility does that for you. You also have the option to ensure that the backup runs only once per day and that the same (previously saved) backup runs every time even if a manual backup has been performed since your last automatic backup. If you wish to schedule backups, rather than using yet another scheduler just add a task to Windows task scheduler to run Auto Start Backup which in turn will then run your backup program and start the backup. If task scheduler is not already running in your system tray you can find it in the windows system folder 'Mstask.exe'.

Functions:

• Automating single backups
• Allows different backups to run on different days. This enables you to have a more flexible backup policy. For example, you could perform incremental backups Mon-Fri and run a full backup on Saturday, or backup different folders on different days.
• Similar options are available for each day of the month. If you produce a set of reports that you need to keep backed up permanently you could run this backup on the evening after the reports are produced. The combinations are endless.
• Unfortunately this application can not change backup media for you but it does increase your backup options that may one day save a lot of time trying to restore vital information. Don't forget that you can perform a backup to file with this file stored on a different hard disk or even on a network drive to provide off site backup (depending on your network).

Open the zip file and extract EduceStart.exe and EduceStart.bat in the default folder for MS Backup (C:/Program Files/Accessories/BACKUP/). Either double click on the EduceStart.exe file to run the program manually or create a shortcut to it in your start up folder and it will run each time Win 98 starts.

Wish List. If you would like to add to the wish list (new features) or comment on my software please submit the wish form.

Registration.

All major credit cards are accepted, online transaction, toll free phone call or fax.  This program can be purchased through RegNet - The Registration Network for $10 (US) by using any of the following methods:

On the web - https://secure.reg.net/product.asp?ID=6521
By phone 1 800 WWW-2REG (1 800 999-2734) - orders only Main: (719) 576-0123 Fax: (719) 623-0399 fax: (719) 623-0399

Visit RegNet for more details of payment methods, FAQ etc. Quote product ID#6521.

Download Instructions. The educestart.zip file contains all the files required. The educestart.exe file should run on it's own if you have VB 6 or it's run time files.  If you don't, you will need  the run time files available from simtel and their mirrors. Alternatively, download the full install/uninstall application with educestart.exe, help files, readme and license.

File Downloads:

Technical Support: If you have any problems you can report them with the bug report  (check below first). 

Symptoms	Fix
Can't re enter information such as 'Title' or keyboard shortcut letter.	Double click on the educestart.reg file supplied with educestart.zip or start110.zip. This will set the registry settings to shier default values. The next time educestart.exe is run, the message boxes requesting information will appear.
New functions: Run a selected backup job. Display/change settings.	New in educestart version 1.0.19.
New functions: User selectable delay, option to run once only per day, new message system	New in educestart version 1.0.20.
Runtime error 13	Fixed in educestart version 1.0.21.
Backup program not starting.	Do you have EduceStart.bat? Is it in the same folder as EduceStart.exe? Does the batch file run your backup program when it is run? If not, get the latest version which includes the batch file, copy it to the same folder as EduceStart.exe, edit the batch file so that it runs your backup program.
Backup program starts but the backup does not run a backup.	Does the backup program go to the wizard screen or the main screen? If the wizards appears turn it off by clearing the 'show this screen' check box.
Have you set the EduceStart settings correctly? Start title is the title of the program up to but not including the - Backup job is the underlined letter, in this case (English) B Start button is the underlined letter S	Start title Backup job Start button
Minor appearance changes	educestart version 1.0.24.
Registry reset file changed, contact details changed, tooltip text changed.	educestart version 1.0.25.
New functions: Different backups for different days of the week. Pause the count down timer to adjust the configuration.	BETA version 1.0.26.
New context sensitive help file	educestart version 1.0.28.
New Day of month backup option	educestart version 1.0.29.
The registration prompt prevents an automatic unattended backup.	Registering the product ($10) removes the prompt allowing unattended backups.

The Future. The following table shows the possible changes that will be made in future versions of the software. Some are my own ideas and some are from customers who have identified additional requirements. You can add to this list via the wish list form.