In a message dated 98-10-07 23:19:55 EDT, you write: << Is it necessary to delete the backup ZIP file each time a backup is done? >> Why not rename the backup zip file (fambu1.zip fambu2.zip fambu3.zip etc) rather than delete it? It is good to keep several different backup zip files of your data in case you discover a problem with either an individual record within the data base (sometimes I accidentally wipe out a date, for example) or with the entire database. Doing this allows one the option of restoring the database to the state it was in at a time before the problem appeared or developed. Always restore from the most recent backup zip file first. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, iIf it turns out that the problem existed in that backup also you will be able to try restoring from the second most recent backup zip file and so on until you find one that is in good condition. (Remember the data processing parrot says: "back-it-up...back-it-up...back-it-up") Cheryl Trapp Boyd ctboyd@aol.com http://members.aol.com/ctboyd/index.htm