Difference between revisions of "Copying your KeePass database"

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[[File:Keepass logo.png|right]]
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Version: v2, Platform: PC, Mac
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==About this article==
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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.
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==What's KeePass? Why do I need to back it up?==
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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 and could take many hours to recreate passwords.
  
=Backup=
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==Backing up your KeePass database==
[[learn.winona.edu/KeePass|KeePass]] is a password management softwareThe program creates an encrypted database that you were prompted to give a name and file location to it when you first installed KeePass. You only need to make a backup copy of the database if you store it on your hard drive. The extension for this database will be .kdbx
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The extension for this database is '''.kdbx''' or older versions used .kdbSearch for any .kdbx or .kdb files on your hard drive. Make a copy and save it to your backup location.
  
Search for any .kdbx file on your hard driveMake a copy, and store it on your network drive or OneDrive for Business.
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==Restoring your KeePass database==
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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 databaseIf you have a .kdb file and want to open that database in the new version of KeePass, you will need to Import the database instead of just opening the file.  Go to the Database tab at the top of the screen and select Import KeePass 1 database.
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==Pro tips==
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*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.
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*Make sure to backup your KeePass database regularly if you are adding passwords and changing password information frequently.
  
=Restore=
 
Copy your .kdbx file to your new laptop and then open KeePass.  You will be prompted for the location of the database that you want to open.  Note:  You can keep your KeePass database on the network storage area and run the program from that location, there is no need to make a backup copy.
 
 
==Related Articles==
 
==Related Articles==
*[[Exchanging Your WSU Laptop]]
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*[[Receiving your laptop]]
*[[Backing Up Your WSU PC Laptop]]
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*[[PC laptop backup]]
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*[[Mac laptop backup]]
  
[[Category: Instructions]]
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[[Category:PC]][[Category:Laptop Exchange]][[Category:Backup]]
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Revision as of 20:41, 19 April 2018

Keepass logo.png

Version: v2, Platform: PC, Mac

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 and could take many hours to recreate passwords.

Backing up your KeePass database

The extension for this database is .kdbx or older versions used .kdb. Search for any .kdbx or .kdb files on your hard drive. Make a copy and save it to your backup location.

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. If you have a .kdb file and want to open that database in the new version of KeePass, you will need to Import the database instead of just opening the file. Go to the Database tab at the top of the screen and select Import KeePass 1 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.

Related Articles