# Software update FAQ

See also [BactoBox® software changelog](/encyclopedia/software/bactobox-r-software-changelog.md) and [Update BactoBox® software](/protocols/best-practices/update-bactobox-r-software.md).

### Which hardware versions does the software update support?

[**Hardware v7.5**](/encyclopedia/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r-hardware-changelog.md) **and later.**

If you have an earlier hardware version, you must upgrade your hardware first. [Contact us](https://sbtinstruments.com/contact) for more information.

If you attempt to update the software on incompatible hardware, the software update process stops immediately without damage to BactoBox® or your data.

### Does the software update delete my data?

**No.** The software update keeps all your BactoBox® data (measurements, gating, etc.) as it is.

### Does the software update change my existing data?

**No.** The software update retains all your existing BactoBox® data (measurements, gating, etc.) exactly as it is.

For example, the cell/mL concentration of your measurements remains unchanged. Similarly, any error messages retain their original wording.

The software update *may* change, e.g., the cell/mL rounding or the wording of the error messages for the *Measure* program going forward. However, all historic data is unchanged.

### Can I downgrade the software?

**No.** We do not support software downgrades.

Instead, use [backup & restore](/encyclopedia/software/access/pages/backup-and-restore.md) to roll back. This requires a backup from *before* you update.

The internal data format changes together with the software. The update process migrates the old format into the latest format. This makes software updates a one-way street.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Attempted downgrades may render your BactoBox® unusable and your data lost.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/software/bactobox-r-software-changelog/software-update-faq.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.