An Invoices file usually becomes corrupt when the Invoicing program is shut down abnormally. Since the invoicing database is open and in a constant "read-write" state, the file will lose its integrity if the program is not closed properly. Common causes of an "abnormal" shutdown are:
- A power outage hits the system while you were using your Invoicing program
To avoid this, you may want to consider purchasing a battery backup for your PC to activate in case of power loss on your system. Also be sure to make Backup files from your program (do so by selecting the File menu in your program and choosing Backup - you will need a floppy disk to make your Backup).
- The PC "locks up" when you are using a program and you have to manually re-boot the system.
Sometimes Windows-based systems will fail to execute a command properly and a program may "halt" as it cannot perform its intended function. This could be because the Windows Operating System is damaged or unstable, or the program is unstable, or the system cannot process too many tasks at one time. If this happens in ANY program, your entire system may "lock up" and you would have to re-boot your system by using the Power button instead of the Windows "Shutdown" command in the START menu.
If you do this sort of forced shutdown while our Invoicing program is open, the active file will usually become corrupted. Be sure to make Backup files from your program (do so by selecting the File menu in your program and choosing Backup - you will need a floppy disk to make your Backup) to restore your data if this happens.
- You close your invoicing program using CTRL+ALT+DEL instead of using the FILE menu to choose EXIT.
Always close your invoicing program by choosing Exit from the File menu, or click the X button in the upper-right of your screen to close your program this way. You will often be prompted if you want to make a Backup file - you should be doin this on a regular basis using a floppy disk or other storage media.
The best way to avoid file corruption is to make sure your system is as stable as possible! Newer Windows operating systems tend to be more stable than older ones, and Windows installations that have been maintained with regular Updates will often perform better than installations with older software. To ensure your Windows installation is as up-to-date as possible, visit the Windows Update web site to check for fixes and enhancements for your system (this is a good idea to do on your system at regular intervals to see if there are any necessary updates you need to keep your system running well).
Windows Update can be found on the internet at: