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url: >-
  /flow/guide/getting-started/configuration-databases/backing-up-a-configuration-database.md
---

# Backing up a configuration database

You should always backup before performing an upgrade or after configuring large changes. This can also be used as a method for publishing your configuration to another server a) backup the database b) restore on other server.

::: tip
Flow has an automatic backup option that will backup your configuration database once per day to a local folder c:\program files\flow software\config\\. You should ensure this folder is included in your daily network backup procedures to either tape or a remote location.
:::

1. Before performing a backup you may want to shrink the configuration database. Refer [Shrinking a configuration database](/flow/guide/getting-started/configuration-databases/shrinking-a-configuration-database)

2. Start Microsoft SQL Management Console (Refer [Installing Microsoft SQL Management Console](/flow/guide/getting-started/installing-flow/installing-microsoft-sql-management-console))

3. Enter the details to login to the SQL server instance hosting your configuration databases. Click `Connect`

   ![](/flow/images/sqllogin.jpg)

4. Expand the `Databases` folder in the left hand tree menu

5. Right click the database you wish to backup and select `Tasks > Back Up`.

6. Remove the existing `Destination` path by clicking `Remove`. Click `Add` to add a new backup destination

   ![](/flow/images/backupsql1.jpg)

7. Enter the destination path and file name that you require. Click `OK`

   ![](/flow/images/backupsql2.jpg)

8. Select `Options` from the left hand menu. Select `Overwrite all existing backup sets` option. Click `OK` to begin backup

   ![](/flow/images/backupsql3.jpg)

9. Click `OK` to the success message. If errors occur please consult the Flow Knowledge Base or SQL help files.

   ![](/flow/images/backupsql4.jpg)

10. You can now continue to work with the database. If problems arise you can restore the backup at a later date.