# Database Backup failed

A **database backup** lets you save a point-in-time copy of the Endpoint Central database so it can be restored later. Use this page when a scheduled or manual backup fails with the error **Database backup failed**.

## Symptoms

- A scheduled or manual database backup fails.
- The console displays the error message **Database backup failed**.

## Common causes

The backup fails for one of the following reasons:

- **The specified backup directory is write-protected, invalid, or inaccessible.**
- **The specified drive doesn't have enough free space** to store the backup file.
- **The system temp folder is full.**

## Resolution

Identify which cause applies to your environment, then follow the matching fix below.

### Specify a valid, non-write-protected backup folder

Specify a valid folder path for the backup directory. If you use a network share, the shared folder must have write permission for every user on the network who needs to access it.

To share a folder and grant permissions to everyone on the network:

1. Navigate to the folder you want to share.
2. Right-click the folder and select **Properties**.
3. Go to the **Sharing** tab.
4. Click **Share this folder**.
5. Enter a name for the shared folder.
6. Click **Permissions**.
7. Under **Group or user names**, select **Everyone**.
8. Under **Permissions for Everyone**, select **Full Control**.
9. Click **Apply**, then click **OK**.
10. Repeat the permission steps for any additional groups or users who need access.

The folder is now shared with full-control permissions for everyone on the network.

### Ensure the target drive has enough free space

Check the amount of free space on the drive. If space is insufficient, do one of the following:

- Delete or move unwanted files to free up space.
- Extend the hard drive capacity.
- Change the backup directory to another drive with sufficient free space.

**To change the backup directory to another drive:**

1. Click the **Admin** tab.
2. Under **Tools**, click **Database Backup**.
3. In the **Backup directory** field, specify a new drive to save the backup to.
4. Click **Save Changes**.

After changing the backup directory, follow the steps in **Verify the fix** below to confirm the backup completes successfully.

### Clear the temp folder

Clear the system temp folder on the server machine before you attempt another backup.

1. Click **Start**, then click **Run**.
2. Type `%temp%` and press **Enter**.
3. Delete the contents of the temp folder.

## Verify the fix

After applying the relevant resolution, create a database backup manually to confirm the issue is resolved:

1. Click **Start**, then click **Run**.
2. Type `cmd` and click **OK** to open a command prompt.
3. Navigate to the `<Install_Directory>/DesktopCentral_Server/bin` directory.

   **Note:** `<Install_Directory>` is the folder where **DesktopCentral_Server** is installed — for example, `D:\DesktopCentral_Server`.

4. Run `backuprestore.bat` to open the Backup/Restore graphical interface.
5. Click the **Backup** tab.
6. Select the location where you want to save the backup file.
7. Click **Backup**.

   **Note:** Endpoint Central first estimates the available space on the specified drive before writing the backup file.

The backup file is saved at the location you selected, using the naming format `buildnumber-date-time.zip` for example, `70117-Jul-23-2010-11-26.zip`.

**Applies to**: Database backup creation

**Keywords**: Database backup creation failure, version incompatibility