You asked for it and now I've got it!
Common Backup is a desktop Java application that allows users of all my "Collection apps" running version 2.1.1 and later to connect their devices to their desktop and backup/restore their databases at home. No email required. No file server required.
Download for Windows | Download for Mac | Download for Linux
To install:
Windows
- Download the install program from the link above.
- (For Windows Vista and later) Once downloaded, right-click on the install program and select "Run As Administrator".
- (For Windows XP) Once downloaded, double-click on the install program to run it.
- Follow through the automatic install prompts.
- Run the program "Common Backup"
Mac
- Download the install program from the link above.
- Extract the .zip archive file (if necessary)
- Double click on the Common Backup application.
- Follow through the automatic install prompts.
- Double click on the Common Backup application again to run it.
To operate:
- Follow the instructions to install and run the application above.
- Once the application is running, open iBookshelf, MyBoxOffice, Disc Tracker, or My Library on your iPhone.
- Go to the Utilities tab.
- Select "Connect to desktop..."
- The phone will automatically find your desktop and attempt to connect to it.
- NOTE: Your iPhone/iPod/iPad MUST be in wifi mode and on the same network as your computer for the utility to function correctly and connect to the desktop software.
- NOTE: Firewalls or other network configurations may prevent the iPhone from connecting to your desktop. I cannot help you with local network configuration, as there are too many variations in setup for me to be effective. However, if you're having trouble connecting a good place to start is to make sure any anti-malware or firewall software on your desktop is configured to allow the backup application to operate.
- Once connected, tap "Send Database" on the phone to backup your database.
- Once connected, you may click the Browse button in the backup application to choose a backup file.
- NOTE: Backup files are saved with an extension .sql and will be in the format *date_stamp*_media_database.sql. By default, these files will be stored on the user's desktop. The user may select to change the directory the application will save files to.
- Once a backup file has been chosen, click "Send To Unit" to restore the backup to your phone.
That's it! Simple and easy!
