Backup and Restore Strategies

Data preservation in ABCD relies on the ISO 2709 standard (for bibliographic data) and file-system backups (for configuration and documents).

Exporting to ISO (Backup)

The safest way to backup an ISIS database is exporting it to an ISO 2709 file. This format is independent of the operating system (Linux/Windows).

Via Central Module

1. Navigate to Utilities > Export/Import > Export ISO.
2. Select the Database.
3. Parameters:
   • FST: Usually leave blank to export all fields (or select an FST to export only indexed fields).
   • Type of conversion: ANSI or UTF-8 (depending on your target system).
   • Separator: usually # or another unique character.
4. Click Export.
5. Download the resulting .iso file to your local machine.

Importing from ISO (Restore)

To restore data or migrate from another system:

1. Navigate to Utilities > Export/Import > Import ISO.
2. Upload your .iso file to the server.
3. Select the target Database.
4. Options:
   • Append: Adds records to the end of the database.
   • Create/New: Erases the existing database and creates a new one from the ISO.
5. Click Import.

warning

Using the "Create" option will delete all existing records in the selected database. Ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

Full System Backup

Besides the database records, you must backup the physical files to preserve configurations, print formats, and digital documents.

Directories to Backup:

• /bases/: Contains all data, FDTs, PFTs, and uploaded documents.
• /htdocs/central/config.php: Main configuration file.
• /cgi-bin/*.par: Parameter files defining database paths.