System Backup

Step 1: Access System Backup

Navigate to Tools → System Backup in the left sidebar to access the system backup and restore interface.

The System Backup page provides tools to back up and restore critical application configuration, ensuring you can recover your settings in case of system failure or migration.

Available Backup Options:

• Device Groups & Backup Profiles: Export and import device group organization and backup schedule configurations
• Email Configuration: Export and import SMTP email settings and notification preferences
• System Backup: Create complete system backups including databases and configuration files

Why System Backup is Important:

• Disaster Recovery: Quickly restore your configuration after system failure or reinstallation
• System Migration: Move your configuration to a new server or instance
• Configuration Backup: Regular backups protect against accidental configuration loss
• Template Deployment: Deploy standard configurations across multiple BackupManager instances

Each backup option is presented as a separate card with Export and Import buttons for easy access.

Step 2: Export Device Groups and Backup Profiles

The Device Groups & Backup Profiles backup allows you to save your device organization and scheduled backup configurations.

What Gets Exported:

• Device Groups: All device groups with their names, descriptions, and device assignments
• Backup Profiles: All backup profiles with schedule settings, times, and device assignments
• Metadata: Export date, version information, and system details

Export Process:

• Step 1: Click the "Export System Settings" button in the Device Groups & Backup Profiles card
• Step 2: The system generates a JSON file with all device groups and backup profiles
• Step 3: The file automatically downloads to your computer
• Step 4: A success message displays showing how many groups and profiles were exported

File Details:

• Filename Format: device_groups_backup_profiles_YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS.json
• File Location: Your browser's default download folder
• File Format: JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) - human-readable and editable
• File Size: Typically small (few KB) unless you have many groups and profiles

Best Practices:

• Regular Backups: Export your settings weekly or before making major configuration changes
• Secure Storage: Store backup files in a secure location (encrypted storage recommended)
• Version Control: Keep multiple backup versions with different dates for recovery options
• Documentation: Note what changes were made between backups for easier restoration

Note: The exported file contains device IDs. When importing to a new system, ensure devices are imported first so device IDs match correctly.

Step 3: Import Device Groups and Backup Profiles

Restore your device groups and backup profiles from a previously exported backup file.

Import Process:

• Step 1: Click the "Import System Settings" button in the Device Groups & Backup Profiles card
• Step 2: A file selection dialog opens - select your backup JSON file
• Step 3: The system validates and imports the configuration
• Step 4: A success message displays showing how many groups and profiles were imported

Import Behavior:

• New Groups/Profiles: If a group or profile name doesn't exist, it will be created
• Existing Groups/Profiles: If a group or profile name already exists, it will be updated with new settings
• Device Assignments: Device-to-group and device-to-profile assignments are restored if devices exist
• Schedule Settings: Backup profile schedules, times, and enabled status are restored

Important Considerations:

• Device IDs Must Match: For device assignments to work, devices must be imported first with matching IDs
• Name Conflicts: Groups or profiles with the same name will be updated, not duplicated
• Validation: The system validates the backup file format before importing
• Backup Before Import: Always export current settings before importing to avoid losing existing configuration

Use Cases:

• System Migration: Move configuration to a new BackupManager installation
• Disaster Recovery: Restore configuration after system failure
• Template Deployment: Apply standard configuration to multiple instances
• Configuration Rollback: Restore previous configuration after unwanted changes

Step 4: Export and Import Email Configuration

The Email Configuration backup allows you to save and restore your SMTP email settings and notification preferences.

What Gets Exported:

• SMTP Settings: Server address, port, and security type (STARTTLS, SSL/TLS)
• Authentication: SMTP username and password
• Email Addresses: From address and recipient addresses
• Notification Settings: Backup notifications, security alerts, and other email preferences
• Source Description: Email source identifier

Export Email Configuration:

• Step 1: Click the "Export Email Configuration" button in the Email Configuration card
• Step 2: The system generates a JSON file with all email settings
• Step 3: The file automatically downloads to your computer
• Step 4: A success message displays confirming the export

Import Email Configuration:

• Step 1: Click the "Import Email Configuration" button in the Email Configuration card
• Step 2: Select your email configuration backup JSON file
• Step 3: The system validates and imports all email settings
• Step 4: Email configuration is immediately active - no service restart required

File Details:

• Filename Format: email_configuration_YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS.json
• File Format: JSON format with all email settings
• Security Note: The backup file contains your SMTP password - keep it secure!

Important Security Considerations:

• Password Protection: Email backup files contain SMTP passwords - store them securely
• Encryption: Consider encrypting backup files before storing them
• Access Control: Limit access to email configuration backup files
• Secure Storage: Store backups in a secure location, not in public folders

Note: Email configuration changes take effect immediately after import. You can test email functionality right away.