Managing NerveCenter - Managing the Database - Backing up the Database - Backing up the Database Using the SerializeDB Application -
Previous: Backing up the Database     Next: Restoring the Database

Backing up the Database Using the SerializeDB Application

SerializeDB exports the data in your database to a text file. When you use the SerializeDB GUI on Windows, you can choose the text file format -- you can have SerializeDB export the data to a NerveCenter flat file database or a serialized ASCII file. You might want to export data from a database on Windows to a flat file database if you want to use the resulting file on a UNIX machine without having to import the data.

---

Caution    Before you back up the database, you must shut down the NerveCenter Server. Not shutting down the NerveCenter Server, could result in lost data.

---

If you are backing up a UNIX flat file database, all of the files that make up the database must be in the db directory. See Database Formats for more information.

If your NerveCenter uses MS Access and want to serialize a NerveCenter v3.5 or v3.6 database, there are certain steps you need to take. See Upgrading an Access Database for more information.

 
  To back up the database using the SerializeDB application:

1. Do one of the following to start SerializeDB:
   • On Windows, start SerializeDB from the NerveCenter program group in the Start menu.
   • In a UNIX shell, change directories to the NerveCenter bin directory and type ./serializedb &. Then press Enter.

     The SerializeDB window is displayed.

     SerializeDB Window

     

2. Select the Export database to file radio button.
3. Specify the format by selecting one of the following radio buttons:
   • NerveCenter serialized file (*.asc)
   • NerveCenter NCDB (Windows only)

     ---

     Note    Unless you plan on using the resulting files directly with a UNIX server, we recommend you select the NerveCenter serialized file option. The ASC file is smaller, and because it is a single file, it is easier to manage.

     ---

4. Do one of the following:
   • To export the data to a new file, type a name for the file (for example, backup061598) in the File field. If you do not specify a path as part of the name, SerializeDB creates the file in the NerveCenter db directory.
   • To write over existing data, select the Browse button. Select the existing file. Then select Open.
5. Select Start.

   On UNIX, SerializeDB starts exporting the data.

   On Windows, you must specify the data source for the database. The Select Data Source window is displayed.

   Select Data Source Window

   

   1. Select the Machine Data Source tab.
   2. Select the data source for your NerveCenter database. Then select OK.

      See your Microsoft ODBC documentation for more information about selecting data sources.

When the data has been exported, SerializeDB displays a message letting you know that the data transfer was successful.

When running SerializeDB from the command line, you can only export to a serialized file (.asc file).