Backup and restore

Creating a backup

1. Go to Settings → Backup
2. Click "Create Backup"
3. Choose where to save the zip file
4. The backup includes: database, images, configuration, and a manifest

Backup schedule

• Daily: Quick backup to your computer
• Weekly: Copy to an external USB drive or network location
• Monthly: Store an additional copy offsite (home, cloud storage)

What's in the backup

• database.sqlite — all patient records, appointments, visits, billing
• images/ — all attached intraoral photos, X-rays, documents
• config.json — clinic profile, settings, preferences
• manifest.txt — backup date, version, file list

Restoring from backup

1. Install Dental Ark on the new computer
2. Go to Settings → Backup → Restore
3. Select the backup zip file
4. Confirm the restore
5. All patient data, appointments, and settings are restored

Testing your backup

At least once a month, restore your backup to a different computer (even a laptop) and verify:

• Patient list is complete
• Records open correctly
• Images are viewable
• Billing data is intact

A backup you haven't tested is not a backup — it's a hope.