How do I securely backup my work?
Which files?[edit]
Always make backup copies of your RPG file and your script file. The filenames vary, but they are usually going to be something like mygame.rpg and mygame.hss. Another important thing to take into account is the password. You can make all the backup copies you want they will be difficult to use if you forgot the password. It can happen if you don't work on your game for a long period.
So if your game needs a pass to be edited you'll need to add a text file in which you'll write it with the backup copies.
Local Backups[edit]
Every day when you edit your RPG, a backup copy will automatically be saved into a folder named autobackups.
(This automatic backup was added in the callipygous release. If you are using an older version, you should consider upgrading.)
You can also manually make local copies of your RPG file. Simply select the RPG file (and your script file), press CTRL+C then open a different folder and press CTRL+V It is also recommended to give your backup copy a number, or adding the date at the end of the name of the game so that you know which one is the most recent. (The autobackups feature does this for you automatically).
As your backup requires several files it may be a good idea to zip the whole things in one zip file to keep them together.
To a ZIP File[edit]
A nice way to back-up your files is to put them into a ZIP file. Windows users can do this every easily by right-clicking on the RPG file, and then picking "Compressed (Zip) folder" from the "Send To" menu.
Backup to the Internet[edit]
A cloud account like a DropBox is an extremely convenient way to back up your files. It is free (as are many other cloud services)
If you have a website, you can upload your RPG file there. (it is a good idea to put it in a ZIP file first.) You can also upload your game to Slime Salad's gamelist or Castle Paradox's gamelist.
Back Up by E-Mail[edit]
Another method is to e-mail your RPG file to a friend. If your own copy is lost or damaged, you can ask your friend to send it back. You can even e-mail it to yourself, and retrieve it from your mailbox's history later on.
Backup to a removable disk[edit]
A removable USB drive is a convenient way to back up your files. Small ones can be very inexpensive, and still provide more than enough room for even the largest OHRRPGCE game
Backup to a CD[edit]
If you have a CD burner, you can use it to back-up your files. One thing to be careful of: when you restore your RPG file from a CD back to your hard-drive, it may have the "Read-Only" bit set. You need to right-click on the file, and pick "Properties". On the properties window you can turn off "Read-Only" so that you can continue to edit your game.
Backup via a Repository[edit]
Version Control software such as CVS or Subversion require slightly more effort to set up, but are a breeze to use after that. Essentially, you set up a "server" which holds your files in a format that (very broadly speaking) remembers every change you've made to a file. You, on the other hand, work on a "local copy" just as you normally would, then periodically "commit" any new changes to the server. For more detailed information, please see our guide to setting up version control with Subversion.