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backing up expander

Posted By: Gr8tfulMT on 2008-03-17
In Reply to: Be VERY careful which you choose. SM - MsIndigo

I bought an external hard drive when it was on sale and back up my dictionary and Expander stuff to that.


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thanks for backing me up. It IS possible-sm
I have the same accounts every day and know them well. i do use macros and autocorrect in word. I have a gross line count, which is different from 65 character count, so that may make a difference. but I do work hard at 12 to 14 hours a day. I stop for a quick lunch and it is back at it. It is hard, but I have a good nest egg, as well. Oh. and i DO have a life. thank you. not bragging. just stating the facts for MY situation. Not every account is the same. I do not do acute care, either.
backing up

I am wondering if you somehow got yourself deleted as a user of the computer???  Don't know much about that.  But if your daughter's stuff is still there, then it would seem the computer is working okay (just a layperson here guessing).


I bought an external hard drive and I keep a copy of everything on that.  If the computer goes out, I can use that on another one.  Don't know how to get program files on there yet though. 


I let the shop do anything with the program files as I don't trust my limited knowledge.  They cloned my C drive (with the programs) and made me an F drive on the hard drive in the computer so that if C goes down, I can use the programs from F.  Don't ask me how to do this -- have absolutely NO idea but they do and and I know they can get me up and running.


I also use CDs for backup but they won't last as long as a hard drive will so keep that in mind.  But it's just more protection.  Like you, the neighbor has a copy of my Expander program. 


I wish you luck.  I'd suggest System Restore as well.


backing up abbreviations

I'd like to make a backup copy of all my abbreviations on Word Expander.  I use Bayscribe for my work.  Does anybody know how I can go about backing these up?  I'm concerned that all it would take would be a virus or something funky to happen to my PC, and I'd lose all those abbreviations.  I have stored over 2,000 my own abbreviations for a total of over 60,000 characters and would really regret all that work if something happened.  Thanks. 


backing up abbreviations
Thank you VERY much for the info!  Makes sense to me.  I'll give it a try. 
Backing up Shorthand
Could anyone tell me how you back-up Shorthand.  I have been trying to figure this out for quite some time.  If my hard drive crashes, then that means I will lose all my ShortHand entries I have added for the past 2-3 years...and that definitely makes me very nervous.  TIA.
Backing up files
You could look into getting an external hard drive.  You can connect your old computer to it and transfer all the files you want to keep; then put them directly on your new computer when you get it set up.  You can find them at Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.  Hope this helps.  Good luck!
You know all throughout this thread I see posters backing

pro MQ posters and funny thing, they have all the same style of writing, emphasizing their thoughts with CAPITAL LETTERS.  Could this be one MQ manager working overtime to make it appear there are lots of posters who think MQ is the greatest and anyone who doesn't like MQ has a bad attitude?  I don't know but it looks fishy to me.  Those CAPITAL LETTERS are a big give-away that one poster is assuming multiple personalities to defend MQ but isn't smart enough to change style of posting.  


Just sayin.............


 


Our driveway collapsed while my dad was backing up
This is particularly a problem in the south where there is a lot of lime in the soil and underground watersheds. The county where I live has a large sink hole that brings visitors from all over...It is nicknamed the "Golly Hole" because "Golly" is what people say when they see it! It is more than 3 football fields in length and more than one across.

This also happened on my mother's property when she allowed her neighbor to use her water to fill some ponds on his golf course. He drained the watershed too quickly and she had sink holes pop up all over her 10 acres. An environmental attorney wanted $5000 just to look at the facts of the case to decide if he would take it. She just had the holes filled in...actually several of them more than once...and it was cheaper than suing. Not much you can do but call the department of health (that may be the right department in your state).
Backing up Auto Correct
Can someone tell me how to back up AutoCorrect in Word? I just purchased a flash drive and would like to put my entries on it. Thanks in advance!
Backing up Auto Correct
The file name for mine is MSO1033.acl. Just do a file search on your computer for *.acl and save it to disk or flash drive.
Backing up AutoCorrect Entries

If I understand your post correctly, you are looking for a way to easily back up your current work environment so that you can copy it onto another computer?  There is actually a very easy way to back up and restore your AutoCorrect entries.  If you go to the Microsoft web site at this link; http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/thankyou.aspx?familyId=73dbead3-b37a-425a-9ae8-dd3593b5675b&displayLang=en, you can download the Macro.exe file.  After you download the file onto your computer, click on Macro.exe, which will walk you through a few steps.  When you are prompted to extract the files into the C:Sample folder, instead choose a folder that you can find easily later.  When the Macro.exe file has finished running, you will then see a Macros9.dot file in the folder you chose to save in.  This file is a Macro written by Microsoft to back up and/or restore your AutoCorrect entries.  To back up or restore your entries, just click on the Macros9.dot file, and follow the steps for AutoCorrect entries.  Note:  If you have created any AutoCorrect entries that have a space afterward, it will cause an error when you are installing (restoring) them on a computer.  However, you will still be able to back up your entries, and you can fix the problem by opening up the backed up copy and removing the extra space at the end of each entry.  When amending the backed up AutoCorrect list, be careful not to accidentally expand out any of the entries, as they will install on the new computer in that manner.  The backed up copy of the AutoCorrect entries is a Word document, so it is easy to amend and re-save. 


In my experience, there is no way to easily incorporate your AutoCorrect entries into a brand-name text Expander program, but then again, I have only worked with a few expander programs over the years, as AutoCorrect and Macros have always covered all of my needs.


Another easier way to back up your work environment is by using the Microsoft Save My Settings Wizard, which can be found under Start, All Programs, Microsoft Office Tools (the Microsoft Office Tools folder is sometimes stored within another Microsoft folder under the program menu).  The first thing you would need to do is back up your work environment on the computer that has all of the settings that you want to keep (just run the Save My Settings Wizard and follow the prompts).  After you have backed up the settings, save the file in a folder on your desktop, which can then be sent to yourself through email.  Download the file you sent yourself through email onto the computer that you want to set up, and run the Microsoft Save My Settings Wizard to Restore the settings, which will automatically set Word up with the same environment as that of the other computer, including your AutoCorrect entries, AutoText entries, personal user dictionary, Word environment settings (Normal.dot file), and Macros.  Of course, if your Macros are currently stored on the company computer, you will not be able to back them up, unless you have access to that computer through the server.  The normal way that you back up Macros is by opening Word, and pressing Alt F11 to enter the VBE screen.  On the left side, you should see a folder Labeled "Normal," inside of which there should be another folder labeled "Modules."  If you double-click on the Modules folder, you should have a file inside labeled NewMacros.  Highlight the NewMacros file, and right-click your mouse, choosing Export.  You can then export the file to save it in a folder on the desktop, transferring the backed up file to the other computer via email.  To Import the file into the other computer, open Word, and go to the VBE screen.  Highlight Normal in the left column, right-click your mouse, and choose Import.  Find the folder in which you saved the NewMacros.bas file, and click to import it.  You should then see a NewMacros file inside of the Modules folder.  Note:  If you open the VBE screen and do not see anything in the left column, you need to click on the top toolbar, View, Project Explorer.  If you do not see the Macro code after it has been imported, click on View, Code.


I hope some of this information helps.  Back in the day when I had to set up a new computer at home, I had to learn all of this stuff the hard way.  As I am sure all of us know, there always seems to come a time when our computers die unexpectedly, so it is really nice being able to back up our work environment in case the worst should happen.  I not only back up my work environment on a monthly basis to make sure the information is up to date, but I also save copies of everything on CD and send copies to store in my email folder.  In the past, I have had my computer crash to where I could not get my backed up copies, which made it impossible to set up my alternative computer quickly in a pinch.  Saving the information onto CD is handy, but I do not rely on them heavily because they can become corrupt easily and/or break.  By sending the backed up files to myself through email and saving them in an email folder, I have everything handy if I need to set up another computer quickly.  


A question about backing up auto-corrects. - sm
I keep meaning to back up my auto-correct, which I depend on HEAVILY, and keep putting it off. This latest thread has given me new resolve. I have a question about backing it up:

I usually back stuff up onto a CD, and was wondering exactly what you do to copy your auto correct files. Any suggestions? I'm only familiar with backing up photos, music, and documents...

Thanks in advance for any advice you have regarding the autocorrect file!
I am sick of people posting crap on this board and not backing it up. nm.
nm.
Need info on backing up Shorthand files. Also Word Autocorrect. TIA. nm

x


POLL: Productivity gain using your expander and what expander you use.
Guess I need to make it work harder.
The shortcuts expander works with the Bayscribe expander as well.
All at the same time.
Word Expander Programs - Are there any expander programs that are easy to use and learn
that are similar to the MS Word expander?  I prefer something very simple.  I like MS Word expander; however I have gone over my limits and cannot add any more shortcuts so I need a program that will hold a larger amount of shortcuts.   Many thanks.
expander
I have been transcribing for 10 years, 4 at home.  I have never used expanders, do they really help, how hard are they to learn and use?
oh yes! must have an expander! I really

like shorthand and they have a free trial period. I've gotten so that I can't type without it. I abbreviate everthing from phases to everyday words. on average it saves me 3-4 hours of typing a day  (according to the stats it gives you).


shorthand and speedtype are the same except shorthand is cheaper because it only has email support rather than phone support. very, very easy to start and learn....highly recommend  


expander
Shorthand and ABCZ by Jon Knowles. Together they rock.
What expander do you have...most can be ...
recovered.  You just need to know what the files are named and find the right folder...
expander
I type directly into a hospital system. I use S/H and Jon Knowle's word program. About a $120.00 investment has increased my productivity by about 32% last time I check. I type rad reports - get paid by report. Words you type all the time - group together

Ti=there is
tin=there is no
tine=there is no evidence
tineo=there is no evidence of

I used to jot this down and input later but now I do it as I type.

I also browse www.productivitytalk.com very helpful in shortcuts. Give you good ideas.
expander
http://www.pcshorthand.com

That's the webside to check out. It's Shorthand. And my supplement word Expander is ABCZ Typing (i.e. osab=osseous abnormality)
mamm=mammogram
sugg=suggesting

website http://home.earthlink.net/agjon/abczrule.htm or
www.productivitytalk.com


DQS has its own expander, which is okay. SM
You'll get instructions on how to change your expansions over to the DQS program. Good luck on your line count. It will plunge wildly. Mine did. Best wishes to you.
No; expander, expander, expander.
I start out at a higher lph rate and then dwindle down, so the last couple of hours of my sessions are at much lower lph.

I have good and bad dictators, ESLs, and mainly Op Notes. Probably average around 7 to 9 minutes per report.

I cannot stress the Expander enough. I rarely type out anything - have it in my expander.

Mainly, stick to it for 2 hours, take a break; 2 hours, take a break, 2 hours, break, 1 hour. Then I take off 2-3 hours and hit another session of 6 hours which are SLOWER than my first session. I start out doing pretty good and break every 2 hours and am pretty slow (for me) by the time it is over.
DQS has an expander and then
CTS (Spheris software that I use) has Shorthand.
What expander do you use, and
how do you remember them all?
Expander most like DQS

When I worked for MQ, I liked their expansion program - it was simple and I added them as I thought of them.  What expansion program is the most like it?  I'm finding Instant Text to be too cumbersome.


Expander
Instant Text is my all time favorite.  It's not cheap but it is well worth the price.
expander
It is WELL worth the price.  I wouldn't be without it.  I have tried others and this one does the most.
expander

It only takes a couple of days to get used to it.  In my opinion, it is much easier than the other expanders.  But like I said, that's my opinion. 


WP expander
I use Instant Text with WP and it works great. Hope this helps.
expander
I do have a word expander, and familiar accounts, but it seems like I just can't get past $600 or $700 a week, no matter how hard I try. I do have small school-age children, which takes up a lot of time (which is my first priority), but it just seems like I'm always at my computer, when I'm not doing "mom" things, and still can't make the good money that I know is out there.
expander
Thanks I will check it out!
Expander
I use ShortHand have for about 10 years, I like the flexibility, ease of use, unlimited size. I have different directories for different facilities that have different job specifications. Right now I have version 9.0.
Expander
I agree, Instant Text is great!
Expander
Have you used this program, the Instant Text. Someone had mentioned "Shorthand" Program to me. Any idea which is better? Thanks for the feedback.
It would help us to know the name of your expander.
x
Which expander are you using??
For some of the Expanders you can find lists that you can just download and add to your dictionary.  Productivitytalk.com is one that has some for ShortHand and some others.  Use Google to try and find lists to download that are already set up for the Expander you use.  This will save you the time of trying to set up the lists yourself.  Good luck and welcom to the fun....
Boy, me, too -- why pay for an expander - sm
just remember to back them up!  I've got years of stuff in mine--I back it up at least once a week. 
expander
SpeedType works like that.
http://www.speedtype.com/
expander
No, it's actually Smartype, which is a different product. The others I know are Instant Text and ShortHand, but I know there are a few more out there. I use Smartype, and I think that they have a pretty good dictionary loaded into it. I know a lot of people prefer Instant Text, but it takes a little longer to learn to use, from my experience. I've never used Short Hand. Not sure of the costs, because we got them some time ago. Instant text also lists suggestions, but I don't believe you can float the bar near the cursor like on Smart Type. I've never used ShortHand, so maybe someone else can answer that.
What expander do you use? NM
What Expander do you use? NM
What expander do you use and
is it compatible with word?  Sorry, but I do not know anything about them yet.  How much do they run?  Thx.
expander
how and where do i get an expander. is it something i have to buy online. Thanks
expander?
What is SH8 ? I am trying to decide on an Expander to start using, just starting to work at home again after 5 years in office. Things are so different.
Why would you not use an expander? If you only

have to do a certain number of lines and not work an 8 hour shift and you can do 1200 lines in 6 hours, you could easily do it in 5 hours with an Expander and then you could work an extra hour to stockpile some money or if you have a family have an extra hour to spend with them.


 


 


VR expander
The odds of VR making a mistake on one of your expansions are slim to none.
Expander sm
There are several types out there. If you are using autocorrect or autotext you are aware of the principle of an expander, but you are still working too hard.

With all your time in as an MT (I have half of what you do) you and I both are aware of the fact that the pay has, in no way, kept pace even with the cost of living. Expanders are an answer to this problem and make it so that one can make over $25 an hour, which is almost a living wage if you ask me.

To give you an idea, my Expander has something close to 20,000 entries in it. They are put in on the basis of system of coding for how entries are entered and typed out. I don't honestly have my expansion codes memorized and I certainly have never made at an attempt to do so. What I know well is the coding framework and I think in those codes rather than memorizing the individual expansions.

What I would tell you is that with what you are using, you are probably able to transcribe more lines, more quickly and better than I am with all my expansions! It is a matter of experience on your part. I will freely admit to being a rather poor typist, fast, but not smooth and highly accurate for sure and it is only the expander that allows me to do well with this. You might not actually benefit from an expander at this stage, so using one is up to you.
Expander
If you don't have an Expander you are cheating yourself! Most companies provide an expander but if your company doesn't I would say you should buy one asap. You can get one for as little as $20.00 or as much as $200.00. This will pay for itself over and over, either way you go.
Put them in your expander
as you come to them.  If you have a correct list from some source, which you probably do, just copy and paste them and spellcheck all of them and add them to your dictionary.  I like InstantText for keeping medication names and frequent dosages because they are "one-letter" entries and if you isolate to just your drug glossary they are all so easy to see.  There is a nursing drug book put out from time to time (can't rememner the name of it right now) that is a total listing of drugs (just the drugs, no other information) and the front part of the book is all generics and the last half is all trade names.  You could scan that in with a scanner to your computer and there they are for you.  Some of the nursing drug books come with a CD rom too and updates via the internet and those are good sources of generic versus trade names.