When you use Zip2Go, it captures most all of the critical files that are used with a given project. It's purpose is to allow tech support to re-create the environment that you are working in to help troubleshoot. But we have found another use for Zip2Go. It is a simple tool for you to preserve most of your critical files that have been customized such as tool libraries, material libraries, machine, control and posts, operation defaults, .MTB (tool bar file), .KMP (Keyboard Mapping) and the ever so important .CONFIG.
The problem is that in normal use, it would only capture the files that support the machine that you have loaded. But if you load all of the machines that you use (or have modified), it will capture all of those files as well, which would give you most everything you would need to re-build your setup should something disastrous would happen, such as a hard disk failure.
So if you want to try this out:
1. Start a new Mastercam session and add all of your machines. No need to load the Mastercam default machines.
2. Save the file with a name such as mastercam_backup_jan_15_2011.
3. Create some simple geometry, and attach a few basic operations. For similar machine types, such as all mills, copy and paste the operations from machine to machine. For Lathe, create a simple profile on another level and create a few lathe operations to it. Do the same for Router or Wire EDM if you have those licenses. Also, you can add any custom tool geometry you want to make sure you preserve, any fixtures, vises, tombstones, etc. organized on different levels.
4. Do a final save and then select all and run the post.
5. The final step is go to Help, Zip2Go and select "Create Zip2Go" - Note where the .Z2G file is placed. You can use the file, manage archive to rename or move the .Z2G to a network location or thumb drive.
Understanding the new x5 folder structure
Mastercam x5 utilizes three distinct locations for program files, shared data files and user data. The idea behind this change is to make it easier to install and maintain Mastercam from an IT standpoint.
The Program Folder
For 32 bit Windows, the folder is [C:\Program Files\mcamx5]
For 64 Bit Windows, the folders are [C:\Program Files (x86)\mcamx5] AND [C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Mastercam]
Generally, there is no need to navigate to this folder. But knowing where it is located can be helpful.
Items located in this folder:
Mastercam.exe and all related files, dll's etc. - also note the sub-folders shown to the right.
The Shared mcamx5 Folder
XP [C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents\shared mcamx5] VISTA AND WIN7 [C:\Users\Public\Documents\shared mcamx5]
This folder contains:
➡Machine and Control definitions
➡Post processors
➡Operation defaults
➡Tool and material libraries
➡FBM configurations
➡Report templates
➡Nesting defaults
The My mcamx5 Folder
XP [C:\Documents and Settings\<Username>\My Documents\my mcamx5] - VISTA and WIN7 [C:\Users\<Username>\Documents\my mcamx5]
This is your data folder, where MCX-5 files and NC files default to, unless otherwise specified.
These folders are quickly accessible from the "File" menu in Mastercam. The shortcut "Open Shared Folder" and "Open Use Folder" will take you directly to the contents.
