The Backup tool integrated into the ZeeBORN application can be used for creating a copy of the ZeeBORN database including all data and file attachments managed in the dedicated file share. Database data and file attachments will be stored in a single file with `.zbbackup` file extension.

!!!WARNING No replacement for real backup solution.
This tool is not intended for being used as part of a general backup procedure. ZeeBORN still highly recommends using established backup solutions that not only save the ZeeBORN database but also the complete server/PC where the ZeeBORN database is installed on.  
The tool should be used only if advised or requested by ZeeBORN support.
!!!

## Where to find? How to start?

### Option A: Backup shortcut

The client installation program creates a shortcut `Backup` in the same folder where the ZeeBORN.exe was installed (e.g. C:\Program Files\ZeeBORN). Click this shortcut for starting the backup tool.

### Option B: Command line

The backup tool can be started from the command line with command `zeeborn -backup`. If the ZeeBORN.exe is not in your system's search path, you need to navigate first into the folder where the ZeeBORN.exe is installed (e.g. C:\Program Files\ZeeBORN).

You may also use the following command using the system environment variable pointing to the ZeeBORN client folder:

```
%zeebornclient%\zeeborn -backup
```

when using Powershell:

```powershell
.$env:zeebornclient\zeeborn -backup
```

## Creating a Backup

* Start the tool
* Click on `Start`
* Choose an output folder and filename (backup files are stored with file extension `.zbbackup`)
* After confirming the filename and folder, the backup file is created. Depending on the size of the database, the creation of the backup can take up to 30 minutes.

!!!INFO
The backup can be created while other users are still using the system.
!!!

## Restoring a Backup

!!!WARNING
Restoring data from a backup file will completely overwrite all existing data in the database.
!!!

For restoring a previously created backup file

* Make sure, all users have closed the ZeeBORN application.
* Start the backup tool
* Choose tab `Restore`
* Click on `Open`
* Choose the previously created backup file.
* After confirming all current data in the database will be replaced with the data found in the backup file. The restore process can take up to 30 minutes - depending on the size of the database.

## Transferring Data between Servers

The Backup tool can also be used for transferring data between servers (e.g. transferring live data to a training system).

If a backup file created on another server is restored on a different server, the ServerSetup needs to run again in `Repair` mode. This will solve all inconsistencies caused by moving database data between different servers. In some rare cases it may also be required the enter the license key for the system again.

*[PO]: Purchase Order  
*[AZA]: local folder
*[(PO]: Purchase Order  
*[RQ]: Requisition  
*[(RQ]: Requisition  
*[RfQ]: Request for Quotation  
*[(RfQ]: Request for Quotation  
*[SO]: Service Order  
*[(SO]: Service Order  
*[SQ]: Service Requisition  
*[(SQ]: Service Requisition  
*[SRfQ]: Service Request for Quotation  
*[OoB]: Open on Board  
*[(OoB]: Open on Board 
*[ART]: Average Running Time (operation hours per day) 
*[MC]: Master Contract
*[ADS]: Advantage Database Server (database engine used in previous versions of the ZeeBORN software)
*[.replic]: file extension for replication files (aka data transfer files)