# Manual Data Backup

**Last Updated On**: 17 Jul 2026  
**4 minutes read**

Manual Data Backup enables administrators to create an on-demand backup of Endpoint Central data whenever they feel the need to secure the current server state before performing important tasks, configuration changes, or maintenance activities. This ensures that critical configuration and management information is preserved and can be restored in the event of unexpected issues, system failures, or data loss.

## When to take Manual Data Backup

Recommended to take manual backup for the below scenarios such as:

- Before applying a service pack, hotfix, or major configuration change
- Before performing a database migration (e.g., Bundled PostgreSQL → MSSQL)
- As an extra precaution anytime

## Before You Begin

### Prerequisites

#### General Requirements

- Decide the location where the backup file has to be saved.
- Make sure there is enough free space at the chosen location
- Have a password ready to protect the backup

#### Database-Specific Requirements

##### Bundled PostgreSQL

No additional steps needed. Backups are handled automatically.

##### Remote PostgreSQL (Percona)

###### What you need to ensure

- The remote PostgreSQL database server must be **running and reachable** at the time of backup
- The firewall must allow connections on port **5432** (or your custom port) between the Endpoint Central server and the database server

##### Microsoft SQL Server

###### What you need to ensure

- The SQL Server database must be **running and reachable**
- The SQL Server service account must have **write access** to the backup folder
- Required database permissions must be configured — see [MSSQL Permissions](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/help/server/mssql-permissions.html) for setup steps

## How to Create a Manual Backup

1. **Open the Backup Utility**  
   Navigate to Endpoint Central installation folder:  
   `<Install Directory>\UEMS_CentralServer\bin`  
   Double-click **backuprestore.bat** to launch the utility.

2. **Select the Backup Tab**  
   Click on the **Backup** tab in the utility window.

3. **Choose a Save Location**  
   Select the folder where you want to save the backup file.

4. **Set a Backup Protection Password (Recommended)**  
   Enter a password to encrypt the backup file. All backups are encrypted - setting a custom password gives you control over who can access the backup.

5. **Start the Backup**  
   Click **Backup**. Wait until the backup succeeds.

![Steps to take manual backup](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/server/manual-backup.webp)

## Server Running vs. Stopped

Manual backup can be taken, either when the server is running or stopped:

| Server State | What Happens | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| **Running** | Backup happens in the background. | Regular backups without interruption |
| **Stopped** | Faster backup with a complete snapshot of all data | Before major maintenance or migrations |