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How to Backup the PDM Server 

Backing up a SOLIDWORKS PDM system is essential to protect your data and keep operations running in case of failure. A proper backup focuses on the server components where all files and data are stored.

 

Key Components to Back Up:

There are two main parts of a SOLIDWORKS PDM server:

  • SQL Database – Stores all file information, versions, and system data

  • Archive Server – Stores the actual files Both must be backed up together to ensure a complete recovery. 


Step 1: Back Up the SQL Database

    • Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
    • Find your PDM vault database
    • Right-click → Tasks → Back Up

      • Choose “Full Backup” and save the file.  Make sure to name the file and include the .BAK extension in the path.



Tip- you can automate the backup process using maintenance plans for SQL Standard, or this method for SQL Express

 

Step 2: Back Up the Archive Server

    • Locate the archive folder on the server

Default location is C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS PDM\Data\VaultName

    • Stop the PDM Archive Server service (using the Archive Server Configuration tool)

    • Copy the entire folder to a backup location

    • Restart the service after the copy is complete

Tip: Keep the folder structure exactly the same.

 

Step 3: Back Up Archive Server Configuration

    • Open the Archive Server Configuration tool
    • Connect to the archive server
    • Export the server configuration settings to a backup file


This ensures you can quickly restore vault settings and connections if needed.

 

Step 4: Test Your Backup

    • Restore the database and archive on a test system
    • Confirm files and data are accessible

Tip: Test backups regularly to make sure they work.