How long does Comparing Backup Images take?

Comparing Backup Images is rated Intermediate and takes about 30 minutes across 7 steps.

What tools do I need?

You will need USB drive with both backups, A PC with a text or file comparison tool.

Two backup sets from the same robot at different points in time. ASCII program backups (*.LS) available if you need to diff program text.

Gather both backup sets. Copy the older and newer backup files onto a PC in clearly labeled, separate folders.

Backups & recovery

For a technician determining what changed between two backups, useful when tracking down an unexplained program edit or configuration drift.

Intermediate~30 min7 steps

Step 1.
Gather both backup sets
Copy the older and newer backup files onto a PC in clearly labeled, separate folders.
Step 2.
Compare file lists first
Check for programs or files present in one backup but missing from the other.
Step 3.
Compare file sizes and timestamps
Look for files with sizes or dates that changed between the two backups as a first filter for what to inspect closely.
Step 4.
Handle program files correctly
Standard *.TP program files are not natively text-readable. To diff program text on a PC, you need ASCII program backups (*.LS) produced with the ASCII Program Loader option. If you only have *.TP files, treat size and timestamp differences as leads and open the programs on the pendant to inspect.
Caution: Do not open *.TP files in a text editor expecting readable code. That's what the *.LS ASCII format is for.
Step 5.
Compare *.LS program text if available
If ASCII program backups exist for both dates, diff the *.LS files in a text tool to see edited positions, added lines, or changed logic.
Step 6.
Compare system or configuration files if relevant
For suspected configuration drift, diff I/O assignment files (*.IO) or system variable files between the two backups.
Step 7.
Document findings
Record what changed, when, and if possible, who made the change, for the maintenance log.

How long does Comparing Backup Images take?: Comparing Backup Images is rated Intermediate and takes about 30 minutes across 7 steps.
What tools do I need?: You will need USB drive with both backups, A PC with a text or file comparison tool.
What should I do before starting?: Two backup sets from the same robot at different points in time. ASCII program backups (*.LS) available if you need to diff program text.
What is the first step?: Gather both backup sets. Copy the older and newer backup files onto a PC in clearly labeled, separate folders.