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How to Export Data from Abacus

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Objective:

  • Get my data out of Abacus
  • Migrate from Export from Abacus
  • Abacus migration
  • Get data from Abacus to Clio 

Environment:

  • Abacus

Additional Information:

Please note that the success of any data migration depends primarily on the quality of the data set provided to us. Before attempting to migrate your information into Clio, you should ensure that your data is consistently formatted, well organized, sufficiently backed up, and stored securely. If you are not certain, it is recommended that you consult with your Clio representative before proceeding

A file named "law9.dbf" needs to be sent to Clio Migrations in order to complete a migration from Abacus; export instructions are below.

Procedure:

Note: Ensure that all users are logged out of AbacusLaw, Abacus Accounting, MessageSlips, and Microsoft Outlook, if they are using the Abacus Outlook Add-in.
This needs to be done when backing up data.
If you wish to force all users out, navigate to File > Setup > Scheduled Shutdown.
Under the Immediate shutdown section, click Shutdown Now.

 

Backing Up Data
This article contains detailed instructions for How to Backup and Restore your Abacus data.

For a complete backup of data, make sure that there is no one using Abacus or MessageSlips.

To backup your data using the Abacus internal backup utility:

Select File > Utilities > Backup > Backup to open the Backup Abacus File window.

Complete the settings on the window.

Destination: Indicates the directory where the backup file will be stored. To change, click the button. The Browse for Folder window appears. Select the directory and click OK.

Uncheck the other boxes.

Click Start Backup. When the backup is complete, a message window will open. Click OK. A backup file named LAW_XXX.zip is created (where "X" is the backup number) and stored in the selected directory.

 

In the event the backup is not available you can export the data using these steps:

  1. Log in to an Abacus
  2. Click File
  3. Click Reports
  4. Select one of the following: Names, Calendar, Matters, Matter Notes, or Name Notes
  5. On the window that opens select New Report
  6. Enter a new name for the report (eg: Clio Contact Export) and click OK
  7. In the upper left part of the screen, click Add
  8. Click Run
  9. Click Comma Delimited
  10. Click OK
  11. Save file
  12. Search for law9.adt in the Abacus folder on your computer
    • if this file does not exist, search for law9.dbf

 

Related Content:

What happens to the information that can't be brought to Clio in a data migration? See this article or contact us for information about the best practices for setting up your Clio account!

What data can I migrate from Abacus to Clio?

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