Import/Export Data for Non-OLS Users

Import/Export Data for Non-OLS Users

The process of exporting and importing data is useful for updating the database to a newer version, which can improve performance and repair minor inconsistencies in the database. It is also used in preparation for changing server computers from a Mac Power PC format to a Mac Intel format. If you have already upgraded your computer(s) to Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, you will NOT be able to perform the export / import procedure.

 

If you are currently subscribing to STX Online Services, DO NOT proceed with the Export / Import procedure. The integrity of your data will be compromised and a loss of data is possible.

It can take from several minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of data and the performance of your computer. You may wish to start the procedure after closing and let the import, step 3, run overnight.

If the import fails, you can restore the backup created in step 1 (see STXAdminTool Help) and continue using STX while contacting STX Software Technical Support to arrange for your data to be repaired.


Step 1: Create a New Backup 
  1. Launch the STXAdminTool to create a new backup. You may start a new manual backup in one of 3 ways:
    1. Select New Backup from the Backups menu.           
    2. Use the keyboard shortcut of Command-N.         
    3. Click the New Backup button in the Database Backups window

      1. The new backup will appear in the Database Backups window and the size will increment to show the progress.

      2. Operation in progress… shows the bytes of data being backed up.
      3. The new backup will be verified to make sure it was successfully created. If the new backup does not verify, you will need to create another new backup.
    4. If the STX Administrator Tool Preferences are set to Automatically offer to save new backups, you will be presented with a Save As window. 
    5. Use the Where: popup menu to select the destination you want the new backup to be saved to.
    6. Click Save.


Step 2: Export the Database
  1. Using the Database menu, select the Export Database… option.
  2. The name appearing in the Save As: field is coded with the date and time of the export. Keep the name as it appears so it is easier to find later.
  3. Choose Desktop from the Where: popup menu and click Save.
  4. Enter the OS X administrative user name and password and click OK. Your export will be saved to the Desktop.
  5. Three progress panels will appear: Preparing for Export, Exporting Data, Packaging Data.
The Exporting data… step might appear to be frozen because the progress indicator does not move and the spinning beach ball appears. This is normal and you will need to be patient and wait for this step to complete.

      6. The exported data will be located on your Desktop. With every Export performed, there will usually be a subsequent Import performed. If you have exported the data to be imported onto a new server, you will need to copy the exported file onto a flash drive, external hard drive, CD or other removable media.


Step 3: Restore (Import) the Exported Data 
Once the data has been exported, the following are instructions for importing the database, also referred to as Restoring Exported Data.
  1. Double-click on the exported data icon located on your Desktop.
  2. Click Continue.
  3. The exported file you double-clicked on will automatically show next to Selected backup file: so there is no need to click either buttons under the Or select a backup file from: area.
  4. Click Continue.
  5. Uncheck the Attempt to roll-forward using transaction logs box and click Restore.
    1. Transaction logs cannot be applied to exported data being imported.
  6. Type in the OS X administrator name and password and click OK.
  7. Click Stop Database. If you don’t stop the database first, clicking Proceed Anyway could damage the data being imported.
  8. Click Cancel to return to the previous screen.
  9. Four progress panels will appear: 1. Stopping the Database Server, 2. Restoring, 3. Importing the Data, 4. Verifying Import
  10. This may take from several minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of data being imported and the performance of the computer you are importing the data to.
  11. The "Database server has been restarted" window lets you know the process is completed and the database has been automatically restarted. Click Done.

 

Additional Performance Considerations 

Updates to STX add new features that may increase the amount of traffic flowing between your networked computers. If, after performing this export and import procedure, you feel your computer’s performance is unacceptable, you may need to invest in upgrades to your server computer and/or network.


Your server computer may need additional memory or may need to be replaced with a faster computer. If you are currently running other programs on the server that runs STX, you may need to make it a dedicated server that is only used to host the STX database.


While STX Software Technical Support can assist you in checking system settings that impact performance, you will need to contact Apple or an Apple specialist to obtain recommendations for upgrading your computer(s) and/or network.

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