Introduction: Welcome back to the third part of our ACT! tutorial series on data backup. In this segment, we will explore the “Save Copy As” feature to safeguard your ACT! data effectively. As always, I’m Tony Holowitz from 365 ACT! Tips, and I’m thrilled to guide you through this essential process.

1. Understanding “Save Copy As” Functionality The “Save Copy As” feature in ACT! enables users to create a duplicate of their database, offering an additional layer of protection against data loss. This process is different from traditional backups and can be a useful tool for certain situations.

2. When to Use “Save Copy As” “Save Copy As” can be advantageous in scenarios where you want to experiment with your data or perform any major updates. By creating a separate copy, you can experiment without affecting your primary database. This is particularly useful when making significant changes to the database structure or testing out new features.

3. The “Save Copy As” Process To use “Save Copy As,” follow these steps: a. Open your ACT! database. b. Navigate to the “File” menu at the top of the screen. c. Click on “Save Copy As.”

4. Database Options Upon selecting “Save Copy As,” you will encounter a dialog box with several database options. This allows you to customize the settings for the copy you are creating.

5. Database Name and Location In the dialog box, enter a name for the copied database. You can choose to include the current date or any relevant information to distinguish it from the original database. Additionally, select the location where you want to save the copied database.

6. File Type Next, you need to choose the file type for the copy. ACT! offers two file types: .PAD (Personal Address Book) and .ADF (Application Data File). The .PAD file type is preferable for copying the database, as it includes all the necessary information for complete data integrity.

7. Database Fields You also have the option to include or exclude certain database fields in the copied version. This feature allows you to customize the copied database based on your specific needs.

8. Completion and Validation Once you have filled in the necessary details, click on “Save.” ACT! will then proceed to create the copied database. During this process, ACT! will validate the data and check for any potential issues.

9. Utilizing the Copied Database After the copy is successfully created, you can use it for testing purposes, experimental changes, or as a backup. Remember that any modifications made to the copied database will not affect your original database.

Conclusion: The “Save Copy As” feature in ACT! offers a valuable way to create duplicates of your database for testing, experimentation, or backup purposes. By using this function wisely, you can ensure the safety and integrity of your data. Stay tuned for more ACT! tutorials to enhance your CRM experience. I’m Tony Holowitz, and I thank you for joining me today.