Database Walkthrough
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Introduction
This page explains the Database features of WebSBA. It is intended for advanced users and assumes the reader is familiar with the basic features of WebSBA.

About Your Data
WebSBA uses Microsoft Access databases to store user data. Each database is a self-contained file which can be downloaded, uploaded, archived, and opened easily. This concept gives you, the user, greater control over your data.

Backing Up Your Database
WebSBA allows you to keep two databases on the server. One is your active database and one is your backup database. When you backup your database, you are copying your active database to your backup. Your previous backup will be overwritten.

  1. From the Main Menu, click Backup Database under the Tools heading.
  2. Confirm that you want to overwrite your previous backup by clicking Create Backup.

Restoring Your Backup Database
Should something go wrong with your active database, you can restore your backup database. This will revert your active database back to its state when you last made a backup. You will lose any data that was added after your last backup.

  1. From the Main Menu, click Restore Database under the Tools heading.
  2. Confirm that you want to overwrite your active database with your backup by clicking Proceed.

Downloading Your Database
Normally, your databases are kept secure on the WebSBA server and no one, including you, can download them. However, in order to let you download your active database, WebSBA provides a 3-step process. First you expose your database, then download it, and finally secure it again. You must always remember to secure your database after downloading because until you do, it is publicly available to anyone who can guess its location.

  1. From the Main Menu, click Download Database under the Tools module.
  2. Click Yes.
  3. Click Download.
  4. After downloading the database, click Secure Database.

Uploading Your Database
Should you need to restore a database you downloaded previously, WebSBA provides an upload function. The file you upload will replace your backup on the server--not your active database. In order to use an uploaded database, you will need to restore it.

  1. From the Main Menu, click Upload Database under the Tools module.
  2. Read the note carefully. You cannot upload a database that is not named correctly.
  3. Click Browse and select the database to upload.
  4. Click Import As Backup.
  5. Wait for a confirmation message. This may take several minutes depending on the size of your database.
  6. After the database has been uploaded, you may restore it. Instructions can be found above.

Summary
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