Difference between revisions of "Copying your KeePass database"

Revision as of 13:42, 21 June 2015

About this article

This article provides instructions on how to back up and restore your KeePass password database. It is intended for students and employees who use KeePass.

What's KeePass? Why do I need to back it up?

KeePass is a password management tool that you install on your laptop. KeePass creates an encrypted database, in a location that you specified when you installed it, that stores your password information. You want to maintain a backup copy of that database in case your laptop hard drive fails or you need to exchange your laptop for a new one. Losing all of your passwords would be a bad thing.

Backing up your KeePass database

The extension for this database is .kdbx. Search for any .kdbx file on your hard drive. Make a copy and save it to a network drive, OneDrive for Business, or external storage media.

Restoring your KeePass database

If you should ever have to reinstall KeePass (e.g., on a new laptop), copy your .kdbx file to your new laptop in a folder of your choice. When you open KeePass, you will be prompted for the location of the database.

Pro tips

Employees, store your KeePass database to your personal network storage and then specify that location when you install KeePass. You won't ever need to worry about backing it up. The downside is that you will need Internet access and VPN when off campus to open your database.
Make sure to backup your KeePass database regularly if you are adding passwords and changing password information frequently.