> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/back-up-and-restore.md).

# Back up and restore

Save a copy of all software and data on your BactoBox®, and go back to it later.

A backup saves all software, settings and data on your BactoBox® to a [GMI file](/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md) on your computer. A restore returns your BactoBox® to exactly how it was when you made the backup.

Click *Backup & restore* in the side bar of Access. The page has a *Backup* tab and a *Restore* tab.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FKPAfpyA4SUe9cUVfk1L6%2F19-backup-and-restore.png?alt=media&amp;token=22d518d1-c0f1-42c8-8d3a-78ecb13a4ff9" alt="The Backup &#x26; restore page in Access."><figcaption><p>The <em>Backup &#x26; restore</em> page in Access.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}

### Plan 30–60 minutes

A backup or a restore can take longer if you have thousands of measurements on your BactoBox®. You cannot use your BactoBox® while it runs.
{% endhint %}

## Back up your BactoBox®

Before you start, check that:

* no program runs on your BactoBox®
* your computer has at least 8 GB of free space for the backup file

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Click *Download backup*

On the *Backup* tab, click *Download backup*. After about 30 seconds, your browser asks where to save the backup file.

{% hint style="warning" %}
You cannot cancel a backup once it starts. Wait for it to finish.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Leave everything as it is

Until the backup finishes:

* keep your BactoBox® on
* keep the USB cable connected
* keep Access open in your browser
* do not connect or disconnect other USB devices on your computer
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### That is it!

When the backup is done, you can use your BactoBox® again or switch it off.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Restore your BactoBox®

{% hint style="warning" %}

### A restore replaces all software and data on your BactoBox®

Everything since the backup is gone after the restore. That includes measurements, software updates and changed settings.
{% endhint %}

You can only restore from a backup file made on the same BactoBox®. Before you start, check that no program runs on your BactoBox®.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Pick the backup file

On the *Restore* tab, click *Choose File* next to *Backup file* and pick your GMI file.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Click *Restore from backup*

The restore starts. Until it finishes, keep your BactoBox® on, keep the USB cable connected and keep Access open.

{% hint style="warning" %}
You cannot cancel a restore once it starts. Wait for it to finish.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Restart your BactoBox®

When the restore is done, restart your BactoBox® before you use it again.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

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