# Backup & restore

You have two options on this page:

* Backup your BactoBox® software and data to a [GMI file](/encyclopedia/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md)
* Restore your BactoBox® software and data from a [GMI file](/encyclopedia/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md)

Use the tabs on this page to select between the backup and restore options. See the sections below for additional details.

{% hint style="info" %}

### Both backup and restore are lengthy processes

It may take 30–60 minutes for each. Schedule enough time beforehand.
{% endhint %}

<img src="/files/c13RleIPNHmHVAU432EH" alt="Example of a backup and restore process. Essentially, the restore is a time travel feature that allows you to restore your BactoBox® to how it used to be (in terms of software and data)." class="gitbook-drawing">

## Backup

Backup your BactoBox® software and data to a [GMI file](/encyclopedia/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md). The GMI file is an exact replica of everything on your BactoBox® device.

#### Before you backup

Before you start the backup:

{% hint style="success" %}
Schedule at least **30 minutes** for the backup. It may take even longer if you have thousands of measurements on your BactoBox®.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
No program runs on your BactoBox®. Do not start the backup during, e.g., the *Measure* program. Wait for any program to complete before you start the backup.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Your computer has **at least 8 GiB** of space available to store the [GMI file](/encyclopedia/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md).
{% endhint %}

The *Backup* page itself has a description that goes into more detail.

#### Start the backup

Press the *Download backup* button to start the backup. A *Backup in progress* dialog appears immediately. This dialog has a text log and a progress bar.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Once started, there is no way to cancel the backup. Wait for it to complete.
{% endhint %}

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/efObkxCGgeT0G8A8tU9K" alt=""><figcaption><p>Backup your BactoBox® software and data. The result is a <a data-mention href="/pages/hcjOCZG1l6oS8cG8Q2QK">/pages/hcjOCZG1l6oS8cG8Q2QK</a>.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

#### During the backup

After a couple of minutes, the [GMI file](/encyclopedia/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md) download begins. Some browser show a *Save file as* dialog in which you choose where to download the GMI file to. Other browsers simply begin the download immediately (as we show below for Microsoft Edge).

{% hint style="success" %}
Keep your BactoBox® powered on during the backup.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Do not tinker with the USB cable or your BactoBox® during the backup.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Do not close the *Access* window during the backup.
{% endhint %}

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/D66FMGzL7B9EKFbuv7HE" alt=""><figcaption><p>After a while, the browser downloads the <a data-mention href="/pages/hcjOCZG1l6oS8cG8Q2QK">/pages/hcjOCZG1l6oS8cG8Q2QK</a>. This is the <code>backup-of-bb2241039-2026-01-09.gmi</code> file in the upper right corner.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

#### When the backup is done

Once the backup is done, it shows a *Backup successful* dialog (see below). At this point it is safe to use your BactoBox® again or power it off.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/B1w88XL1XAeUQ8P29qQ9" alt=""><figcaption><p>A successful backup. Note the downloaded <a data-mention href="/pages/hcjOCZG1l6oS8cG8Q2QK">/pages/hcjOCZG1l6oS8cG8Q2QK</a> in the upper right corner.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

## Restore

Restore your BactoBox® software and data from a [GMI file](/encyclopedia/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}

### Restore replaces all current software and data on your BactoBox®

Essentially, restore is a time-travel feature. It restores your BactoBox® to exactly how it was when you created the [GMI file](/encyclopedia/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md). All measurements made since then are gone after the restore. Likewise, all software updates, setting changes, etc. made since then are gone after the restore.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}

### A GMI file is specific to a BactoBox® device

You can not restore from a GMI file that is made on another BactoBox® device.
{% endhint %}

#### Before you restore

Before you start the restore:

{% hint style="success" %}
Schedule at least **30 minutes** for the backup. It may take even longer if you have thousands of measurements on your BactoBox®.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
No program runs on your BactoBox®. Do not start the backup during, e.g., the *Measure* program. Wait for any program to complete before you start the backup.
{% endhint %}

#### Start the restore

Press the *Restore from backup...* button to open the *Restore from backup* dialog. Click the *Browse* button to select a [GMI file](/encyclopedia/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md). Then, click the *Restore from backup* button that starts the restore.

A *Restore in progress* dialog appears immediately. This dialog has a text log and a progress bar.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Once started, there is no way to cancel the restore. Wait for it to complete.
{% endhint %}

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/P7lX1soiKe7xPBkBw3NC" alt=""><figcaption><p>Restore your BactoBox® software and data from a <a data-mention href="/pages/hcjOCZG1l6oS8cG8Q2QK">/pages/hcjOCZG1l6oS8cG8Q2QK</a>.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

#### During the restore

{% hint style="success" %}
Keep your BactoBox® powered on during the restore.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Do not tinker with the USB cable or your BactoBox® during the restore.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Do not close the *Access* window during the restore.
{% endhint %}

#### When the restore is done

Once the restores is done, it shows a *Restore successful* dialog (see below). **Restart your BactoBox® before further use.**

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/o6qo34jAAhBfhJYRr0xh" alt=""><figcaption><p>A successful restore.</p></figcaption></figure></div>


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