Backup Schedule

KeyServer allows you to automatically back up your most critical KeyServer-related data, i.e., the data you've entered into the system after setting the KeyServer up. In the event of a crash the executable files can of course be easily downloaded from the Sassafras website or replaced using your original K2 CD-ROM, but this is not the case for custom configuration data concerning the programs your KeyServer is controlling, the portable keys that are currently signed out, the usage and audit data you've collected, and so on.

By default, backup files are placed in the KeyServer Data Folder in a sub-folder named “Backup Folder” . To protect against total loss due to disk failure, it is much better to store these backup files on a separate volume.

Replace the “Backup Folder” inside the KeyServer data Folder with a shortcut (or alias, or symbolic link) likewise named “Backup Folder”. – configure the shortcut to resolve to a folder on a separate volume, perhaps located on a remote server.

We strongly recommend that you set a backup schedule soon after setting up your KeyServer, and that you configure the backup location on a separate volume. The configuration data in these files is otherwise irreplaceable and if lost must be regenerated from scratch. Although an external backup solution can be used in conjunction with the built in backup process, the external backup solution will not be able to reliably backup the database files that are open and in use - these must be backed up either by the built in backup process or when the KeyServer process is stopped.

OPEN Backup Schedule dialog

Select “Backup Schedule...” from the Admin menu to set a daily, multi-day, or weekly backup schedule. The following dialog appears.

Enter the time at which you want the backup to occur, and enter the day(s) of the week on which you want the backups to be done. You don't have to choose an “off hours” time, since the backup process will occur without interrupting normal KeyServer service. The important thing to consider is working the time around any other scheduled backup routines that might affect the KeyServer machine. There is also a Backup Now button that performs an immediate (unscheduled) backup.

The Backup Folder is organized with a sub-folder for each day of the week plus an Unscheduled sub-folder for "immediate" backups. The critical data files being backed up are all at the root level of the KeyServer Data Folder:

KeyServer Data Folder

important site data

server.lic

your KeyServer license certificate (and other files with the ".lic" extension)

Admin Permissions

Accounts. Passwords, and Permissions for KeyConfigure

KeyServer Preferences

KeyServer settings file

License Data

controlled program database

Location Filter Database

network access database

Machine ID Database

computer identity database

Portable Keys Record

checked out licenses database

Program Database

program information database

Reservations Record

schedules database

Software Audit Database

audit information database

Usage Database

program and license usage database

Authent List

users/passwords/groups list, needed only when using Text Authent method

In case of disaster, a new KeyServer installation can be created (on any platform) and then the backed up files listed above can be copied into the fresh KeyServer Data Folder (replacing any corresponding newly created default files). Alternately, if a standard file system backup exists, you can use it to restore the KeyServer executable program and the KeyServer Data Folder into its usual location. Then re-run the KeyServer installer just as an easy way to get the automatic startup of the KeyServer process configured.

For a complete list of all KeyServer components, data files, etc. see the Complete File List document.

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