Migration & Recovery

Portweaver stores all data encrypted at rest on disk. These files are volatile, meaning manually copying or moving them will break the integrity of the encryption keys. Both processes use this same backup and restore system:

• Migration: Moving Portweaver to a new system or platform
• Recovery: Restoring data after failure or data loss

To safely migrate or recover your data (devices, users, and configuration), you must use this process.

Caution

Do not attempt to move application data files directly. This will corrupt them due to storage encryption.

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Accessing Backup Settings

Navigate to:

/settings/general

You must be logged in as a user with the admin role.

Note

Only administrators can create or restore backups.

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Cross-Platform Support

Backups are fully portable across platforms:

• Windows → Linux
• Linux → Windows

As long as the Portweaver version is compatible, your data can be restored anywhere.

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Creating a Backup

1. Open Settings → General
2. Locate the backup section
3. Click the backup button

After creating a backup:

• A .pbk file is generated
• It is saved locally
• It is also stored on the server at:

/appdata/backups/application

Tip

You can move backup files to other devices or upload them to cloud storage for safekeeping.

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Backup Configuration

After clicking backup, you may see additional options depending on your setup.

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Encryption Key

When creating a backup, you will be prompted to provide an encryption key.

Caution

This key is required to restore your backup.
If you lose it, the backup cannot be decrypted or recovered.

• Choose a strong key
• Store it securely (password manager recommended)

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Restoring a Backup

To restore your data:

1. Go to Settings → General
2. Click the restore button
3. Select your .pbk file

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Decryption Step

After selecting a backup file, you will be prompted to enter your encryption key.

Note

This must be the same key used when the backup was created.

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After a Successful Restore

Once the restore completes:

• The entire application state is reverted to the backup
• All active sessions are invalidated
• You will need to sign in again
• Devices, users, and settings return to their saved state

Tip

Restores are immediate and replace the current state completely. Consider creating a backup before restoring if you need a rollback point.

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Summary

• Always use the built-in backup system
• Never move encrypted data files manually
• Keep your encryption key safe
• Store backups in multiple locations

Portweaver’s backup system is designed to make recovery and migration reliable across any environment.