Pack&Go command line for backup

[Rene Toepfer]

Is it possible to run Pack&Go via command line? At https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/content/en/topics/packandgo.htm I have not found any information regarding this issue.

If a command line would be possible, it can be run via Windows Schedule to create backups at specific time and/or periodically.

[Mario]

Pack & Go is NOT a backup tool!
It's designed to quickly move IMatch databases, settings and presets between multiple computers, e.g., between your desktop and notebook.

The only reason why IMatch has the "Prompt for backup..." feature is because I've learned that many users don't do any regular backups at all. And in that case, well I guess, Pack & Go is better than nothing...

Just include your IMatch databases, the entire "program data" folder in your daily backup and you're good. The "program data" not only includes your IMatch settings, but also settings from your other applications. It is one of the most important folders.
If you don't do daily backups and keep them for several weeks, you should.

[rolandgifford]

Pack & Go is NOT a backup tool!
It's designed to quickly move IMatch databases, settings and presets between multiple computers, e.g., between your desktop and notebook.

It is more useful than that.

I have used it on occasion when experimenting with setting changes or significant labelling phases. Being able easily return to a 'pre-experiment' position without fear of missing something is useful and encourages me to experiment. I don't, and probably wouldn't, script a weekly automated Pack&Go which is then backed up as part of my regular backups but I can see the potential advantage of doing that.

I do regular backups.

[Mario]

Just copy the "C:\ProgramData\photools.com\IMatch6\config" folder when you want to be able to undo changes. You need to copy the folder while IMatch is not running.

If you plan to make changes to apps, presets etc. copy the entire "C:\ProgramData\photools.com\IMatch6\" folder to be able to rollback.

Copying a folder is easy to schedule, even keeping several versions around.
But Pack & Go is also comfortable to use for this particular case - in addition to a normal daily backup and a standard weekly-monthly-quartely backup retention schema.

What to backup is explained in Backup and more information about the IMatch Settings Database is also available.