Chief Architect Help Database - Article Number:  91

How to Back up Library Content

The information in this article applies to:
  • Chief Architect X5
  • Chief Architect X4
QUESTION

I have downloaded a lot of Chief Architect Bonus Catalogs and Manufacturer Catalogs and would hate to lose them if my computer were to crash.  How can I back these catalogs up, along with my Core Catalogs and User Catalog?


ANSWER

It is a very good idea to back up the contents of your Chief Architect program library along with all of our other valuable data. 

 

To back up your Core, Bonus, and Manufacturer library catalogs

  1. Open a Windows Explorer window and browse to the location of your program version's library content:

    • In Windows 7/Vista, browse to C:\ProgramData\

    • In Windows XP, browse to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\


  2. Look for a folder with the name of the program version you are using - for example, "Chief Architect Premier X5" - and open the folder.


  3. Inside, you will see a number of folders - including Bonus Libraries, Core Libraries, Manufacturer Data, Manufacturer Libraries, Program_Data, and Referenced Files - as well as one file named dont_change.dat.

    • All but two of these items - the Program_Data folder and the dont_change.dat file - contain library content.

    • Program_Data and dont_change.dat both contain encrypted registration information and MUST NOT be copied or backed up.


  4. Select the folders containing library content either individually or as a group.  There are several ways to group-select folders in Windows Explorer; here is an easy method:

    • Click on the first folder that you wish to select;

    • Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard;

    • Click on additional folders to add them to your selection set.


  5. When the folders that you wish to back up are selected as a group, copy them to the Windows Clipboard.  There are two says to do this:

    • Press Ctrl + C on your keyboard;

    • Select Organize> Copy from the Windows Explorer menu (Edit> Copy in Windows XP).


      Do NOT copy or back up the Program_Data folder or the dont_change.dat file. They contain unique, encrypted registration information and if you try to use a copied and pasted version of either, your license registration will no longer be recognized by our registration server. 




  6. In Windows Explorer, browse to the location that you would like to save your back ups, and paste the selected folders at that location.  As with copying, there are two ways to paste:

    • Press Ctrl + V on your keyboard;

    • Select Organize> Paste from the Windows Explorer menu (Edit> Paste in Windows XP).



Unlike the Core, Bonus, and Manufacturer catalogs, the User Catalog is saved in your Documents directory (My Documents on Windows XP).  To ensure that all material textures are included in your backup, you should begin by exporting the contents of your User Catalog.

 

To back up your User Catalog

  1. Launch the version of the program that you are using and open a plan or layout file.


  2. Select Library> Library Browser to open the Library Browser.


  3. Click the + next to User Catalog to expand it and view its contents.


  4. Right-click on a folder or item within the User Catalog and select Export Library from the contextual menu. In the Export Library Data dialog:

    • Choose an easy to find location on your local hard drive, like your Documents directory or Windows Desktop;

     Hint: Create a folder for just your User Catalog backup files in your Documents folder or on your Desktop.



    • Type a short, descriptive name for the folder or item being exported;

    • Click OK.

    • Folders can take some time to export, depending on their size.


  5. Repeat step 4 as needed to export the contents of your User Catalog that you want to back up.


  6. When you are finished, copy and paste the exported User Catalog files to your backup location, as described above.


MORE INFORMATION

For more information about backing up your important data, see article 1109 in our Help Database: How do I implement a silent, real-time data backup strategy for my computer?


Last updated on: Mar 28, 2013

The Chief Architect support team has compiled a list of articles with common questions and answers.


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