Configuration Backup
Server configuration is a time-consuming process and it is wise to save a copy of your Macula database after certain changes so that you have something to start the server with in case the main database becomes corrupt because of a hard disk failure or some other reason. Macula provides several options for database backup and we strongly recommend that you create configuration restore points to save the trouble of re-configuring the server from scratch.
Automatic Backup
Automated configuration backup allows you to save your Macula database based on a schedule. To access the settings via Macula Console, click the application menu button in the upper-right-hand corner and choose Automated backup configuration.
Automated backup is enabled by default with the following settings: a restore point is created every two days at 2AM, with a maximum of 15 files to be kept. You can either leave the default settings, including the default location, or define your own backup time and frequency in the Settings tab.
In the Status tab, you can see the date of the last backup attempt and the next scheduled backup time.
Backup and Restore Wizard
Additionally to the automated backup, it is possible to create a configuration restore point manually at any time. The same wizard provides an opportunity to start the Macula with an earlier database version.
Run the Backup and restore wizard from your Windows Start menu: Start -> All Apps -> Macula -> Macula Server Backup and Restore Wizard. In Windows 7 and older versions, use Start -> All Programs -> software installation folder -> Tools -> Macula Server Backup and Restore Wizard; alternatively, use Cortana/Search to locate the wizard in the programs menu.
Create Backup
Choose the first option to back up the database contents to serve as a restore point and click Next.
Here, you can choose the information to be saved and also add a custom description for your future reference. You can either use the default destination folder or choose a custom one, even located on a different disk or a network drive.
The wizard will create the backup and display a success message. Click Finish to exit.
Restore to an Earlier Database Version
Choose this option if you wish to start the Macula server with a database from an earlier time instead of the current configuration.
If you have a clean Macula installation and wish to restore its configuration from an earlier point, make sure to initialize the server using the Server Setup Wizard, which usually pops up automatically after the installation is completed and is available via Start menu. (There is no need to do this if you upgraded the software to a newer version so that it already has been initialized earlier).
Here, you have two options: select a backup file from the list or manually locate the necessary *.lxb file. In either case, make sure you have chosen the right backup to be used and then click Next.
Make sure you have chosen a suitable database to be restored by reviewing the items and using your earlier comments as a reference. Click Next when ready.
On this additional step for Macula Global, you will be able to choose to reset the Macula Recording Server configuration.
How to choose the right option?
If you are just restoring the Macula Global server database (e.g., after the central server version rollback), you do not need to reset the recording servers because their configuration is actually the same (just the DB version is incompatible).
If you are using a much earlier database backup that certainly has a different Macula Recording Server configuration, then you need to include the reset.
Recording server reset is usually necessary if the remote server configuration is invalid (corrupt or different from the target DB contents).
If you choose to reset all recording servers at this point, it will take some time for them to re-synchronize (remove and then accept the restored configuration), which may result in some downtime. On slow connections with a lot of remote servers the downtime may be significant.
If you have many recording servers on a slow connection, we recommend that you do NOT reset them at this point. These servers will continue to operate with their current configuration but their status in the Monitoring section may turn to Not synchronized. In that case, initiate the re-synchronization manually later via %console% main menu > System upgrade > select server > Re-synchronize configuration.
This option is disabled by default to decrease the potential downtime.
When you click Next, you will see additional details about the recording server reset, which will help you choose the correct option for your system before proceeding - and give you a chance to re-consider. Carefully estimate the need for the reset before initiating the restore procedure!
Then, the wizard will ask you to stop the Macula services and start restoring the database after your confirmation.
Caution! This is an irreversible operation. Do not abort the process or shut down the server machine during the process.
If nothing interferes with the restore process and the backup file is intact, you will receive a success message after the wizard finishes restoring your Macula server configuration. Server service will be automatically started with the restored database. If you chose to reset the recording server configuration, all Macula Recording Server instances will receive the restored configuration as well.
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