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Restoring a backup distribution file

This procedure restores a remote station to the state it was in when a backup was made.
Prerequisites:
  • A backup dist file of the station on the target controller exists.
  • The software database of your Niagara 4 installation includes matching versions of all software modules used by the station when the station backup was made. Without these modules, restoring the backup dist will fail.
  • Any controlled equipment, which might be adversely affected by the station stopping (and the removal of software) is put in a manually controlled state.
  1. Using Workbench, open a platform connection to the remote host.
  2. If a station is already running on the remote host, stop any running applications (stations).
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  3. Do one of the following:
    • In the Distribution File Installer click the Backups button (Image) for the !/backups folder.
    • Click the Choose Directory button to point to another backup dist file location.

    The Installer parses through the distribution files, and makes selectable only those files that are compatible with the opened platform. When done parsing, available backup dists open in a list.

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    Dist files that are inappropriate, for example that are for a different target platform or have unmet dependencies, are dimmed—the Install button does not become active if you select such a file.

  4. For details on any dist file, double-click it.
    The system opens a popup that includes a list of its dependencies.
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    When you click Install, the system attempts to validate the file’s passphrase.

    • If the file passphrase and system passphrase are the same, the process continues without prompting for a passphrase.
    • If the file passphrase and system passphrase are different, you are prompted to enter the file’s passphrase, as shown here.
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       NOTE: If prompted for the .dist file passphrase and you do not know it, you cannot install the file. 

  5. To restore any selected backup, click Install.

    If the host is already running a station, a window opens telling you that the station must be stopped.

    If the station backup .dist file contains software modules different from (or in addition to) those already installed in the remote host, another window opens:

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  6. To continue, click Next.
    Another window asks if you wish to restore the TCP/IP settings stored in the dist file (as displayed) into the remote host.
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    The TCP/IP settings contained in the dist file are listed, and by default, the check box Update the remote host’s TCP/IP settings is cleared.

  7. Do one of the following:
    • To use the same dist file on differently addressed hosts, leave this check box cleared
    • To use the TCP/IP settings stored in the dist file, enable the Update the remote host’s TCP/IP settings check box.
    Depending on your choice, after the dist file installs and the host reboots, it retains its current TCP/IP settings or uses the TCP/IP settings stored in the dist file.
  8. Click Finish to begin installation.
    The dist installation process opens a window that tracks its progress.
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    The installer automatically stops the station, then continues with the distribution file install process, which overwrites all stations, After the distribution file (and modules, if selected) are installed on the platform, the controller reboots, and the progress window indicates complete.

  9. To continue, click Close and open a new platform connection, perhaps to view output in the Application Director

Related Links

  • Distribution File Installer (Parent Topic)

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