How do I back up a selected user?

How do I back up a selected user?

Applies To: Maestro, V/Vmax, V/Vmax+

Article ID: 3163  |  Published: 7/12/2012  |  Last Updated: 7/12/2012

The Series 5 software enables you to create a backup copy of a selected user onto an external media source like a USB storage device. This process will store all of the software settings and custom files (including pages, pictures, sounds and user settings) that are associated with the selected User in a new file. The file can be shared with other V/Vmax devices, other users on the same V/Vmax device or Windows computers running the DynaVox Series 5 software.

You can create a backup of the selected user on an external file sharing device (i.e. a USB storage device, CompactFlash data card, etc) or a folder on your device or Windows computer hard drive. Note: Although you can backup the user to the Backup folder on your V/Vmax device, it is recommended that you have a copy of your most recent backup file saved on an external file sharing device.

To back up a user, follow these steps:

1. If you are backing up to a file sharing device, connect it to your V/Vmax device (the USB storage device connects to one of the dual USB host port on the left side, a CompactFlash card to the card slot on the right side) or the appropriate port on your Windows computer. 
   • Note: If you are using an Open V/Vmax device or the DynaVox  software on a Windows computer, a Microsoft window may appear and display the contents of the file sharing device (or ask what kind of action should be taken). Close this window by selecting the Close button [X] in the top right corner.
2. Select the blue Main Menu button in the title bar.
3. Select Setup.
4. Select Setup Menu.
5. Select the User Manager button.
6. In the left viewport, the current User will automatically be highlighted in bold. You can also scroll to select the name of the user you want to back up.
7. Select the Back Up Selected User button.
8. A window will open, asking if you want to include the email settings and email information and/or if you want to include photos. Note: If you are creating a backup to prevent data loss, it is recommended to select Yes to these questions.
9. Select the destination for the backup file. Use one of the following methods:
   • To export to a file sharing device like a USB storage device, proceed to step 10 (this is the more common process).
   • To export to a folder on your V/Vmax device or Windows computer hard drive, skip step 10 and proceed to step 11.
10. To back up the selected user to a file sharing device like a USB storage device or flash drive, select the Show All Directories check box so it displays an X:
    1. In the left viewport, select the icon that represents the file sharing device that is connected to your device so it is highlighted (for example, a USB storage device is usually displayed as drive letter D in the left viewport). Make sure that the drive letter is highlighted.
    2. Proceed to step 12.
11. To back up the selected user to a different folder on your device or Windows computer hard drive, complete this step:
    1. Select the Show All Directories check box.
    2. Use the left viewport to navigate to the folder where you want to export the file. Select the expansion box [+] next to a folder to see the sub-folders that it contains.
    3. Select the destination folder in the left viewport.Proceed to step 12.
12. Select the Name text box at the bottom. The system keyboard will be presented.
13. Use the system keyboard to enter a name for the backup file. It is a good idea to incorporate the name of the User and the date into the file name (for example, DynaVox X X 10). The file will automatically be given a file extension of .user.
14. Select the OK button to close the system keyboard.

15. When the hourglass disappears, the backup is complete. Select OK to exit all open menus.  

The User backup (.user) file is now saved in the selected destination.