# Scheduled Data Backup

Last Updated On: 17 Jul 2026  
9 minutes read

Scheduled Data Backup enables administrators to automatically back up Endpoint Central data at predefined intervals, ensuring that critical configuration and management information is regularly preserved without manual intervention. This helps maintain up-to-date recovery points and ensures data can be restored in the event of system failures, data loss, or other unforeseen issues.

## How Scheduled Backup Works

Scheduled backup runs automatically at the time scheduled while the Endpoint Central server remains operational. No downtime or manual intervention is required. Each backup includes all your settings, reports, and configuration files, saved as a single protected file.

## Before You Begin

### Prerequisites

#### General Requirements

- **Server must be running** — scheduled backups only run while the Endpoint Central service is active. If the server is stopped at the scheduled time, the backup **will not be taken** and no retry will occur until the next scheduled time.
- **Storage space:** At least **2—2.5× the current database size** of free space on the local drive and the backup destination.
- **Backup location:** Choose a folder on a different drive or network share (not the same drive as your server). Ensure the service account has write access.

#### 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 scheduled backup time.
- 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.

## Steps to Schedule Backup

1. **Open the Administration Settings**  
   Go to **Admin** → **Database Settings** → **Database Backup**

2. **Choose a Backup Time**  
   Enter the desired time in 24-hour format (e.g., **18:00** for 6:00 PM). We recommend overnight or early morning hours when the system is least busy.

3. **Set How Many Backups to Keep**  
   Choose how many backup copies to save (default: **7**). Older backups are automatically deleted to save space.

4. **Choose Where to Save Backups**  
   Enter the folder location where backup files should be saved. For safety, use a location on a different computer or network folder.  
   Default location: `UEMS_CentralServer/ScheduledDBBackup/`

5. **Set a Backup Protection Password (Recommended)**  
   Under the **Backup Protection** section, set a password to protect your backup files. You can provide a **password hint** to help recall this password later.

   **Tip:**  
   **Recovery Key:** A recovery key is automatically sent to all administrators via email every 45 days. Keep these emails safe — you can use it to restore a backup if you forget your password.

6. **Enable Failure Alerts (Recommended)**  
   Turn on notifications to receive an email if a backup fails. Enter the email addresses that should receive alerts.

When failure notifications are enabled, you receive an email each time a backup fails, along with details about what went wrong.

**Warning:**  
**Prerequisite:** A mail server must be configured before alerts can be sent. Go to **Admin** → **Mail Server Settings** to set it up and send a test email to verify.

7. **Save Your Settings**  
   Click **Save Changes** to activate scheduled backups.

## Best Practices for Network Path Backup

- The backup is first created **locally** on your server, then copied to the network path. Ensure your server has enough **local disk space** for the full backup.
- The network folder must be **accessible and reachable** from your Endpoint Central server.
- The Endpoint Central service account must have **write access** to the network folder. Do not grant access to “Everyone” — restrict it to the service account only.
- Use a network path within the **same network domain** as your server for reliable transfers.
- If the network copy fails, the backup will remain on the local drive only.
- After setting up a network path, **verify that backups are saving successfully**.

## Setting Up Network Share Permissions

If saving backups to a network share, the service account must have write access. Follow these steps:

![Restoring in Central server using the backup](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/server/network-sharing.webp)

![Restoring in Central server using the backup](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/server/network-sharing2.webp)

1. **Open the Sharing Tab**  
   Right-click the backup folder (e.g., `UEMS_CentralServer`) → **Properties** → select the **Sharing** tab.

2. **Open Advanced Sharing**  
   Click **Advanced Sharing…** under the Advanced Sharing section.

3. **Enable Sharing**  
   Check **Share this folder**.

4. **Set the Share Name**  
   Enter a share name (e.g., `UEMS_CentralServer`). This is the name that will appear on the network.

5. **Open Share Permissions**  
   Click **Permissions** to configure who can access this share.

6. **Add the Service Account**  
   In the Permissions dialog, click **Add…** to add a new user or computer.

7. **Select Object Types**  
   Click **Object Types…** in the Select Users, Computers, Service Accounts, or Groups dialog.

8. **Enable Computers**  
   Ensure **Computers** is checked (along with **Users** and **Groups** as needed), then click **OK**.

   **Note:**  
   This allows you to add machine accounts (e.g., for services running as the local system account).

9. **Enter the Account Name**  
   Type the service account name or computer name, then click **OK** to add it to the permissions list.

10. **Grant Full Control**  
    Select the account you just added. Under **Permissions**, check **Full Control** in the **Allow** column (Change and Read will be automatically selected as well).

11. **Apply and Close**  
    Click **OK** to save the share permissions, then click **OK** again to close the Advanced Sharing dialog.