About Data Files

All of the information entered into BCSS is stored is 'data files' (stored on the hard drive at C:\Program Files\BCSS)- the 'BCSS Program Folder'.

Data sometimes becomes damaged or corrupted (by power interruptions, surges or spikes, hard shut downs, closing BCSS while it is processing, faulty hardware, viruses, malware...).

Sometimes data is intact but links to the data have become broken making it impossible to access the data. BCSS includes a special remedy for this problem. If an error message is encountered, in BCSS, in the very lower-right corner, click the 'Rebuild Button' to see if the problem can be resolved. Also try 'Reset Program' under Utilities.

A button to the far right on the Main Menu named 'Send Data' sends your data files to our server, providing a backup of your valuable data and giving tech support easy access to your files. Updating your software will add this button to your program.

If the Send-Data Button is not present (or if the Internet connection is too slow), zip your last BCSS data folder and email your data files to support (if the files are less than 2MB) or send them using a free online file-transfer service called YouSendIt.

Send your data files to support after the close of business on the day prior to the day your shop will be closed. That way, when we return your files to you and you restore them, you won't lose newly-entered data.

How to Email Data Files to BCSS Support

1. Open a new email message. Enter zipfiles@mm.st in the To: Field.
2. In the message enter your name, the name of the person who purchased BCSS, shop name, BCSS edition (Intro, Deluxe, Diamond or Virtual) and version/build number (under Help (About) in BCSS. The number looks something like 5.1.4500).
3. Also in the message include issues to be addressed. Include error messages, if any, and actions taken that produced the error(s).
4. Attach the new zip file of your data to the email. (See your email program's instructions for how to attach a file to an email. In most cases just click on Attach a File, find and select the file and click OK or Open.)
5. Send the email.
6. Add mm.st to your email program's Approved Senders List or White List to lessen the chance that spam filters will block our replies to you.

Your data files will be emailed back to you as a .zip file attachment, or you will receive a link to download large files from our server. Simply click on the attached .zip file. Your computer should have an 'unzipping program' for unzipping the files and placing them in the BCSS Data Folder (C:\Program Files\BCSS).

Please be aware that free email services like Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo and AOL are not suitable for business purposes in that they often block attachments, particularly if attachments are large in size (as your data file may be according to them). Please contact your Internet Service Provider and ask them to help you configure your email program to receive and send email.

YouSendIt Data Transfer Service

If your file is larger than 2MB and under 100MB send the file using YouSendIt.

1. Follow the instructions above for zipping your data file.
2. Go to https://www.yousendit.com/litesignup.
3. Enter an Email address, your name and a password. (If you are concerned about privacy, create a special email address in your current email service that will be used solely for subscribing to online services.)
4. Click the Send-Now Button.
5. Copy zipfiles@mm.st to the clipboard and paste it into the To Field. (This will avoid read/type errors.)
6. In the Subject Field, Enter BCSS Update
7. In the Message Box, enter your name, shop name, error message(s) if any and actions taken just prior to the message(s) appearing.
8. Click Select File.
9. Locate the zip file on the Desktop, select it and click Open. The name of the file will be listed.
10. 10. It is not necessary to select any options under 'Pay-per-use'.
11. Click Send It and wait for the verification that the files has been sent.
12. A link to your YouSendIt file will be listed. It is not necessary to do anything with this link. Tech support will receive the message you sent with your data files attached.
13. We will inspect your files and return them to you with instructions.

How to Create a Data Folder Zip File

1. In BCSS under Utilities, click on Backup Database Locally.
2. In the next window, find Desktop in the left menu and double click on it.
3. On the top of the window to the right of the Look-in Field, click on the New-Folder icon.
4. Type BCSS Data 5-1-2010 (changing the date to today's date). (If Windows named the folder 'New Folder' press F2 to reopen the folder name and type in the suggested name.)
5. Click Open.
6. Click Open again. A message will appear confirming that the backup has been completed.
7. Close the message window.
8. Go to the Desktop and right click on the folder just created.
9. Select Send To.
10. Select Compress Zip File (or something similar, depending about your Windows version).
11. The new 'zipped folder' will appear on the Desktop. This is the folder that is to be attached to an email to zipfiles@mm.st

If you did not purchase telephone support, please email support for help. (Add the domain name mm.st to your email program's Approved Senders List or White List to lessen the chance that spam filters will block our emails to you. Instructions)