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Database Restoration Overview

Learn how to restore a backup copy of your database to recover your information after data loss or database problems.

Written by Kyle Goodman

📝 Overview

Restoring a backup copy of your database allows you to recover your information if you experience data loss or your database encounters problems. Restoring is quick and easy. If you've had a complete computer failure or hard drive crash, you can still restore a backup database as long as it was saved to an external device or cloud solution.

⚠️ Please Note: DaySmart Desktop databases are stored locally on your server computer. DaySmart does not keep backup copies of desktop databases. If you need help recovering data, we recommend contacting a local IT professional.

🛠️ Before You Begin

  • Restoring a backup replaces the information currently in the software. Before the restore completes, your current database is backed up to your automatic backup location.

  • Choose the restore method that best matches where your backup is saved. Each method is described below.

💡 Recommended option: When it's available, restoring the last recorded automatic backup is the easiest and most reliable choice.

🕐 Restoring the Last Automatic Backup

Learn how to restore the most recent backup the software created automatically.

Click here to learn how to restore the last automatic backup

This option restores the last backup created automatically by the software. It is the most recent snapshot recorded, provided no manual backup was made after the last automatic backup completed.

  1. Click the File drop-down menu and select Backup and Restore.

  2. Click Restore Database.
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  3. The Restore Database screen will appear.

  4. Select I would like to restore my last recorded automatic backup (recommended).

    • You will see the date and time the backup was created and the location of the backup file. Use this information to confirm it's the right backup to restore.
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  5. Click the Next button.
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  6. The Are You Sure? screen will appear. Click Yes to continue.
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  7. If you set a database password, the Password Required screen will appear. Enter your password and click OK.

  8. Your database will be restored. Click OK.

📋 Restoring a Different Automatic Backup

Learn how to choose from your full list of automatic backups.

⚠️ Keep Automatic Backup on: We highly recommend leaving the Automatic Backup feature turned on so these restore options are always available to you.

Click here to learn how to restore a different automatic backup

This option lets you decide which automatic backup to restore from a list showing the creation date and time of each backup in your automatic backup location.

  1. Click the File drop-down menu and select Backup and Restore. Click Restore Database.
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  2. The Restore Database screen will appear.

  3. In the Backup Location section, select Restore a database from the automatic backup location. If this option is grayed out, the Automatic Backup feature is likely turned off.
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  4. Click the Next button.

  5. In the Automatic Backup Files section, all of your automatic backups will appear. Select the one to restore and click Restore.
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  6. The Are You Sure? screen will appear. Click Yes.
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  7. If you set a database password, the Enter Database Password screen will appear. Enter your password and click OK.

  8. Your database will be restored. Click OK.

📁 Restoring from a Specific Location

Learn how to restore a backup saved to an external device or another folder.

Click here to learn how to restore from a specific location

Use this option when your backup is saved somewhere outside the automatic backup location, such as an external device or your Desktop.

  1. Click the File drop-down menu and select Backup and Restore. Click Restore Database.
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  2. Select Restore a database from a specific location.
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  3. Click Next.
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  4. Locate the backup file you wish to restore on your computer or external drive.

  5. Select the file and click the Open button.
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  6. Click Yes.
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  7. If you set a database password, the Enter Database Password screen will appear. Enter your password and click OK.

  8. Your database will be restored. Click OK.

🗄️ Restoring Using a SQL Server Database File

Learn how to restore directly from your SQL Server database files.

Click here to learn how to restore using a SQL Server database file

This advanced option restores using your database .MDF and .LDF files. These are normally located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data\, but may be in another location.

  1. Click the File drop-down menu and select Backup and Restore. Click Restore Database.
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  2. Select I would like to restore my database using an SQL Server database file.
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  3. Click Next.

  4. Locate the .MDF file you would like to restore from. Be sure the matching .LDF file is in the same directory.

  5. Select the file and click the Open button.

  6. Click Yes.

  7. If you set a database password, the Enter Database Password screen will appear. Enter your password and click OK.

  8. Your database will be restored. Click OK.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to common questions or additional details that may not be covered in the main instructions.

What happens to my current data when I restore a backup?

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Restoring replaces the information currently in the software. Before the restore completes, your current database is backed up to your automatic backup location, so it isn't lost.

Which restore option should I choose?

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When it's available, restoring the last recorded automatic backup is recommended. If you need an older backup, choose a different automatic backup. If your backup is saved on an external device or another folder, restore from a specific location.

Does DaySmart keep a copy of my database I can restore from?

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No. DaySmart Desktop databases are stored locally on your server computer, and DaySmart does not keep backup copies of desktop databases. If you need help recovering data, we recommend contacting a local IT professional.

What if the automatic backup option is grayed out?

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A grayed-out option usually means the Automatic Backup feature is turned off. We highly recommend keeping it turned on so automatic backups are always available to restore from.

What do I do if I've had a complete computer or hard drive failure?

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You can still restore a backup as long as it was saved to an external device or cloud solution. Restore from that specific location using the steps above. For hardware recovery help, contact a local IT professional.

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