Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) > How do I back up and restore my data?

It is very important to periodically make a copy of the database for backup and restore purposes. It is also recommended prior to installing a software update or upgrade.Make sure that all users are out of FastMaint prior to doing a backup or restore.

If you are using the internal Access/Jet database, there is a single database file fmweb.mdb. It will be located in a directory specified on the Setup page when running the web server. Alternatively you can locate the database (internal Access database/ SQL Server) using the "Web.Config" file (see note below). You will need to see the "Web.Config" file if you are hosting FastMaint Web on Microsoft's Internet Information Server.

To restore a copy of the database first make sure all users are out of FastMaint. Then copy the backup database file(s) over the existing file(s) in the database location. This will return your database to the prior state.

If you are using Microsoft's SQL Server database, please check with your database administrator about making a copy of the database or restoring from a backup.

FastMaint Web - locating the database using the Web.Config file:

To find out which database is being used, go to the "fastmaint" sub-folder in the program install directory. In this sub-folder look for the file named "Web.config". Open this file with NotePad. Make sure not to modify this file! Look for the following line (search for DBPath):

The contents of value will tell you if it is using the built-in Microsoft Access/ Jet database or an external Microsoft SQL Server database (value will contain a reference to SQLOLEDB). It also will have information about the database server, database name (on the database server), etc. If using the built-in Microsoft Access/ Jet database it will contain the file path to the database file.