In the beginning ... there was DOS TempleReady and DOS TR gave a prompt for making a backup disk that was impossible to miss and hard to ignore. Some people still did. Hey - not every one got on the ark as we all know, even after the dark clouds gathered. Seriously, though, since the change to Windows TR, fewer people than ever are making backup files. How do I know this? I am a Family File volunteer at Mt. Timpanogos Temple Fridays from 12-3 p.m. We regularly have patrons who come with no backup disk and leave with no cards. I would like to share a few thoughts on why this happens, so hopefully, it will not happen to you.

     First, never wait until the kids are at the font before you try and print your disk. This is a recipe for disaster and the temple is not obligated to supply you names simply because you have signed up for a Family File appointment time. We have had people with family in from out of town and there for every special occasion and reason you can think of end in disappointment because no one brought the disk in advance to load and print those special family names everyone came to do. Not only can your disk fail to function, but occasionally the Temple computers are being worked on or are tied up with other print jobs that cannot be interrupted to print yours at a moment's notice. I always recommend that people bring the disk to print in advance.
This gives you time to sort the cards, file away the sealings for later and divide the baptisms into the sets for each proxy you will bring. Being orderly helps maximize baptistry time, which is becoming more precious.*

     Second, always make a backup of your submission file. Most of the time the main file runs correctly and all is well. However, if your main disk fails, the backup file can be used to load and print your temple cards and tracking sheets. Most of the grief at the Family File could be avoided if patrons would do that one simple thing. When a main disk fails, the first question from the Family File will be, "Do you have a backup disk?" The most common reply is "No. They told me at the FHC I didn't need one." I always say, "Well, I am sorry to tell you that THEY were mistaken. If you had one, I would be using it right this minute." Then I begin to describe to them what they will need to do to remake the file. Many of these are very inexperienced souls, who are so trusting of the FHC staff. The frustrations expressed are understandable. Some say that Family History is too complicated and they just can't do it. What I am saying is that for many people, having a successful first experience may mean the difference in whether they continue to do genealogy and temple work. Many of you are FHC workers and can help spread the word about backup disks and all the grief they save.

     Thirdly, just because your disk just worked at the FHC doesn't mean it will function when it gets to the temple. They pick their own time to expire. Bad sectors develop without warning. I used to take that personally but it really is quite random. You can help things by carrying your disks in a hard case and not letting them sit in a hot car or in the sun.

     Fourth, just because you went through the TR sequence doesn't mean it all went correctly. Before you leave the FHC, have the staff help you use a program that will show you what files your disk actually contains. We have more blank disks handed to us. We surmise that during the TR sequence the file was sent to the hard drive instead of the A or disk drive. The disk may have files on it, but the only file that can be loaded and printed at the temple is one with a .sub extension. If you don't have one of those on the disk, there is no point in bringing it to the temple.

     Fifth, just because you have a .sub file on the disk does not mean it will work 100% of the time. I had to remake a file three times once, because there were bad sectors on the disk I used and part of my submission file landed in one of them. If you learn that a disk has bad sectors, do yourself a favor and toss it out. They are so inexpensive it is not worth the risk of using a "known baddie."

     Lastly, Since the change to Windows TempleReady fewer people are making backups of their temple submission files. The prompt in the TR sequence is not as noticeable, but it is there. There is a spot at the end of the sequence where the program asks what you want besides a submission disk. There are three more choices: 1) make a backup file 2) make a GEDCOM to update my files and 3) place the word submitted in the ordinance boxes of each person with work submitted. Boxes must be checked for these 3 functions to occur. The default setting has a check in the make a backup file box. This may have been altered at your FHC. Make sure the box is checked. Use a separate disk. Note: There is no screen that comes on after you put in the disk to receive the backup file to tell you it is done and to take it out and label it. Your submission file will be .sub and your backup file will have a .TBK extension. Check your disks before leaving the FHC.

REMEMBER: A back-up disk is like having a spare tire – you hardly ever need it, but when you do, it is crucial.

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