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Backup Strategy for GroundControl VGRS

Backup Before Updates

Always create a full backup before performing any update or reinstallation of GroundControl VGRS. This ensures that configuration, data, and licenses can be restored if necessary.

What to Back Up

1. Application Folder

  1. Stop all GroundControl services using the Manager Tool tray icon
  2. Verify in Windows Services that all GroundControl VGRS services are stopped
  3. Copy the entire GroundControl installation folder to a secure backup location
  4. Use the naming format: GroundControl VGRS Backup YYYY-MM-DD

2. Databases

  1. Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or your standard SQL backup procedure
  2. Create full backups of all GroundControl databases (e.g., GC, GC.EventLogging)
  3. Store the backup files in the same backup folder as the application backup

3. Configuration and Licenses

  1. Ensure appsettings.json is included in the backup
  2. Location: <GroundControl VGRS Installation Directory>\app\appsettings.json
  3. Copy the license file to the backup folder
  4. (Optional) Create screenshots of important configuration screens (Users, Tracked Objects, GeoFences, Rules, etc.) for reference

Backup Location

Backup Storage Best Practices

  • Store backups in a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\GC\Backups)
  • Create a new dated subfolder for each backup
  • Use secure storage media (external disk, network share, or cloud storage)
  • Before every update of GroundControl VGRS
  • Before major configuration changes (e.g., large rule updates, new integrations)
  • Regularly (e.g., weekly or monthly) to ensure recent data can be restored

Verification

After each backup, verify the following:

  • All files were copied successfully
  • Database backup files exist and are restorable
  • License file is included in the backup

Restoration (If Needed)

To restore GroundControl VGRS from a backup:

  1. Stop all GroundControl services
  2. Restore the installation folder from the backup
  3. Restore the database backups using SSMS
  4. Place the saved license file and configuration files (appsettings.json) back into the correct directories
  5. Restart GroundControl services

Update Safety

Always perform a backup before applying an update. In rare cases, updates may require a reinstallation of GroundControl VGRS. A complete backup ensures that the system can be brought back online quickly and safely.