It is possible to catalogue in HomeBase on more than one PC without a network connection by transferring the data via disk or email.
1. The main concern with this method is that the book numbers do not clash. So before you proceed, you need to set aside a group of numbers to use in HomeBase on the other PC(s). For example, for working at home on a laptop bookseller Smith started his numbering at 10000 and has allowed up to 20000 for this purpose, so the allocated batch is 10000-20000.
To set the numbering to start from a certain number you first need to switch off the auto-numbering under [View] > [Options] > [Editing], then when you add the first book you will be able to enter the starting number in the Book# field. Once you have entered the first book with the appropriate number, you can then turn on the auto-numbering feature again to ensure that the numbers correspond accordingly.
2. Once you have added books or updated existing entries, you then need to proceed with the export of a data file. To do this select [File] > [Import/Export] > [Export] (Not to AbeBooks!), then select to save the file on your PC Desktop and follow through the displayed messages until the export is complete.
Now you can save the file on disk or to CD (if you have a burner installed). If your main PC has an Internet connection, then you could send the file as an email attachment to your email address.
3. The final step is the import of the data file. In HomeBase select [File] > [Import/Export] > [Import], you then locate and open the file for import (via the window provided), then select [Merge] (Please note that if you select [ZAP] then the file for import would replace everything already stored in HomeBase on your main PC!). You will be asked ‘Would you like to do a backup’. Click [Yes], HomeBase will then back up your current data and import in your new data
When the import is complete locate the last book added in your main database (not the imported book entries) click to highlight the entry and then switch the auto-numbering back on. Upon closing HomeBase you will be asked if you would like to do a backup, which we recommend you do then.
If you possess advanced technical knowledge or have a technician, you can also setup and run HomeBase on a network of computers. Simply let us know if you would like more information about networking HomeBase.
For further information see Using HomeBase or download our HomeBase 2.3 User Guide.
