When you are using Iguana - or any application - you should ensure that your important files are backed up to external storage. If you are using a version of Iguana that is older than version 4.0, you should back up the following files:

• The VMD files that are used by your Iguana channels. Because most interface work is done in VMD files, it is a good idea to store these files in a directory other than the Iguana installation directory and ensure that this directory is regularly backed up. If this is not feasible, keep a copy of the VMD files in a secure location; this will ensure that your files are not lost if you experience hard drive failure.

• The ChannelConfiguration.xml file. This file is located in the directory in which Iguana is installed (for example, C:\Program Files\iNTERFACEWARE\Iguana). This file contains all of the settings for your Iguana channels. A backup copy of this file is essential, especially if you have created a large number of channels or have created customized settings for a particular site or interface.

	You can use a copy of the ChannelConfiguration.xml file to replicate your Iguana environment, or to create a test system that uses the same channels and settings.

• The database and database tables that Iguana uses. Because versions of Iguana prior to version 4.0 log all messages and errors to database tables, it is best practice to back up your database regularly.

	Keep in mind that Iguana purges its log tables at specified times. When backing up your database, ensure that your backups do not happen at the same time as the log purge. Your database backup should include all channels, success and error log tables, and any other tables that are used to generate or parse messages. For best performance, purge your logs at least every 30 days. Purge your logs more often if you are sending or receiving a large number of messages. For more information on purging logs, see Configuring the Log/Status Purge Settings.

Other files that may be useful for you to back up or be aware of:

• IguanaLicense, which is a file located in the Iguana installation directory. This file is machine-specific and contains the Machine ID that Iguana uses to register your installation. Although you can obtain another copy of this registration code from your iNTERFACEWARE Member's Account, having a backup copy of this file is handy.

	If you need to rebuild a server, reinstall the operating system, or replace the NIC card on your computer, the IguanaLicense file cannot be used to register your Iguana installation, as a different Machine ID will be needed. If you require a new license immediately at a time when our office is closed, log in to your iNTERFACEWARE Member's Account and create an Iguana trial license. You can use this trial license to get your server running until the next business day. Then, you can contact us to obtain a new permanent license. See Registering Iguana for more information on obtaining a trial license for your Iguana server.

• AdminConfiguration.xml: This file is located in the Iguana installation directory, and contains the Iguana web server port setting. If you are using the default port of 8081, this file is not critical. See Changing Iguana's Default Web Server Port for more information on changing the web server port.

• UserConfiguration.xml: This file is located in the Iguana installation directory, and contains any users or groups that you have created. If you access your Iguana server using the default Admin account, you will not need to back up this file.

• Any text log files that have been created. These files are named log_<channel_name>.txt, where <channel_name> is the name of the channel that generated the log file. These log files are created when the database is unavailable due to an ODBC error. These files are useful for troubleshooting purposes.