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

# Restoring a configuration database

If you experience any problems with your Flow configuration database or an upgrade is not working you can revert to a previous backup.

::: tip
You can also restore backups created by Flow's automatic backup option. These backups can be located in your local folder c:\program files\flow software\config\\. You should also have these included in your daily network backup procedures to either tape or a remote location.
:::

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

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

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

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

4. If restoring over the top of an existing database right click the database, otherwise right click the `Databases` folder itself. Select `Tasks > Restore > Database`.

5. Either select an existing `To Database` or enter the name of a new database. Select `From Device` option and click `Eclipse` icon to the right

   ![](/flow/images/restoresql1.jpg)

6. Click `Add`

   ![](/flow/images/restoresql2.jpg)

7. Select the backup file you wish to restore. Click `OK` to return to previous screen

   ![](/flow/images/restoresql3.jpg)

8. You will see the backup file you selected. Click `OK` to use this file.

   ![](/flow/images/restoresql4.jpg)

9. A list of backups will appear - a single backup file can contain multiple backup instances (If you select `Append to the existing backup set` option during backup process). Check the backup you wish to restore.

   ![](/flow/images/restoresql5.jpg)

10. Select `Options`, check `Overwrite the existing database`, and fill in an appropriate destination location for the restored database. Click OK to begin restoring the database.

    ::: details What location should I restore the backup to?
    Each SQL Server instance installed on your computer has a default location for storing databases. You can use any location but the default is recommended. The Flow SQL Server instance has its default data folder at *c:\program files\flow software\config\mssql.1\mssql\data*
    :::

    ::: details What name should I give the restored database file?
    By convention you should name the data and log file the same name as the database name given in the general tab. The data file should have the extension .mdf and the log file .ldf.
    :::

    ![](/flow/images/restoresql6.jpg)

11. Click `OK` to the success message. If errors occur visit the Flow Knowledge Base or consult the SQL Server help files.

    ![](/flow/images/restoresql7.jpg)

12. You can now continue to work with the configuration database within Flow.