DATA TRANSFER PROTOCOLS

Backup and migration procedures

DATABASE EXPORT

Export your entire Crono database as an encrypted archive for backup or migration.

Initiate Export

Click "EXPORT DB" in the header to open the export dialog.

Set Encryption Password

Enter and confirm a strong password for encrypting your archive. This password will be required for import.

Execute Export

Click "EXECUTE EXPORT" to create the encrypted archive. A progress dialog will show the export status.

Save Location

The system will prompt you to choose a save location for the .crono archive file.

SECURITY: Export archives are encrypted using industry-standard encryption. Keep your password safe - there is no recovery option if you forget it.

DATABASE IMPORT

Import a previously exported Crono archive to restore or migrate your data.

DESTRUCTIVE OPERATION: Importing will completely overwrite your current database and all files. Ensure you have backups before proceeding.

Start Import Process

Click "IMPORT DB" in the header to open the import dialog.

Select Archive File

Click "SCAN" to browse and select your .crono archive file.

Enter Decryption Password

Enter the password used when creating the archive.

Confirm Import

Read the warning carefully and confirm you want to proceed with the destructive import operation.

Wait for Completion

The import process will show progress. Once complete, your database will be restored and the interface will reload.

FILE EXPORT

Export individual files or groups of files to any location on your system.

Single File Export

Right-click any file and select appropriate action
Use "Show in Folder" to access the copied file directly

Batch File Export

Enable batch mode and select desired files
Click "EXPORT" in the batch actions toolbar
Choose a destination folder
Files will be copied with their original names

BACKUP BEST PRACTICES

Regular Exports: Create database exports regularly, especially after adding important files
Multiple Locations: Store backup archives in multiple locations (external drives, cloud storage)
Password Security: Use strong, unique passwords for export encryption
Test Restores: Periodically test your backups by performing test imports
Documentation: Keep notes about your backup schedule and archive locations

BACKUP STRATEGIES

Daily Backup

For active archives, create daily exports to external storage or cloud backup services.

Weekly Archive

Create weekly exports for stable archives that don't change frequently.

External Storage

Store backup archives on external drives or network storage for disaster recovery.

Cloud Backup

Upload encrypted archives to cloud storage services for off-site backup protection.

MIGRATION SCENARIOS

Moving to New Computer

Export your database from the old computer
Install Crono Desktop on the new computer
Copy the export archive to the new computer
Import the archive to restore your complete archive

Sharing Archives

Create an export with a shared password
Transfer the archive file to the recipient
Share the decryption password securely
Recipient imports the archive into their Crono installation

Archive Consolidation

Export each separate archive database
Import the first archive into a new Crono installation
Manually add files from other archives (original files remain in their exports)
Create a new consolidated export

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

PASSWORD SECURITY: Export passwords cannot be recovered. If you lose the password, the backup archive becomes inaccessible permanently.

FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS: Export archives include all files and database content. Very large archives may take significant time to create and restore.

VERIFICATION

Testing Your Backups

Periodically test import process with backup archives
Verify file integrity after import
Check that all categories and descriptions are preserved
Ensure file accessibility after restoration

Backup Integrity

Store backup archives in multiple formats if possible
Keep backup archives in different physical locations
Document your backup procedures and schedules
Regularly update backup archives as your main archive grows

PRO TIP: Create a backup immediately after significant organizational changes or before major system updates. This ensures you can always return to a known good state.