                     stats_path = _stats_path
                     cb()
             (cb) =>
-                fs.stat @_backup_file, (_no_backup, _stats_backup) =>
-                    no_backup = _no_backup
-                    stats_backup = _stats_backup
-                    cb()
-            (cb) =>
-                if no_backup and no_master
-                    # neither exist -- create
+                if no_master
+                    # create
                     file = @path
                     misc_node.ensure_containing_directory_exists @path, (err) =>
                         if err

class DiffSyncFile_server extends diffsync.DiffSync
    constructor:(@cm_session, cb)  ->
        @path = @cm_session.path
        @_backup_file = misc.meta_file(@path, 'backup')
        # check for need to save a backup every this many milliseconds
        @_autosave = setInterval(@write_backup, 10000)

        # We prefer the backup file only if it both (1) exists, and
        # (2) is *newer* than the master file.  This is because some
        # other editing program could have edited the master, not
        # knowing about the backup, in which case it makes more sense
        # to just go with the master.

        no_master    = undefined
        stats_path   = undefined
        no_backup    = undefined
        stats_backup = undefined
        stats        = undefined
        file         = undefined


                cb?(err); return
            fs.writeFile @path, @live, (err) =>
                @_start_watching_file()
                cb?(err)


