Backing up and restoring manager settings

The email management server maintains several important configuration setting files, including

Database configuration
Appliances list
Administrator settings
Presentation report templates and data

You may want to retain a backup copy of these settings to use if a system recovery operation is necessary. A backup and restore utility is included with the Email Security module. Backup and restore functions are available on the page Settings > General > Backup/Restore.

The Backup/Restore function includes a Backup and Restore Log, which displays time-stamped backup and restore activities for the manager.

Note: Because the Backup/Restore utility stops the Email Security module service, backup and restore activities are recorded only in the Backup and Restore log.

Backup and restore functions for an appliance cluster work properly only when cluster settings have not changed between the backup and restore operations. Unexpected results may occur if any of the following settings have been changed between the backup and restore:

Appliance mode (cluster or standalone)
IP address or hostname

You may need to rebuild a cluster if a restore operation encounters problems.

Note: If you specify your backup file location for a remote server, ensure that your restore operation is configured to restore configuration files from that remote server location.