Restoring a database from a FileMaker Server backup

Intermediate

Safely replace a live hosted database with a backup copy — the correct sequence to avoid data loss or corruption.

What you'll learn

  • The correct sequence for a safe database restore
  • How to verify the backup is intact before restoring
  • How to keep the current file as a reference while restoring

Restoring from backup involves closing the live database, replacing it with the backup copy, and reopening it. The order of steps matters — skipping the close step risks overwriting an open file, which corrupts it.

1/3
1

Verify the backup before restoring

Before touching the live file, verify the backup copy. Copy the backup to a test location and open it in FileMaker Pro (not Server) to confirm it opens cleanly and data looks correct. Run Recover on a copy to check integrity if you have concerns. Never restore from a backup you haven't verified.

Installing an SSL certificate on FileMaker ServerFile maintenance: consistency checks, compaction, and recovery

Sign in to track your progress and pick up where you left off.

Sign in to FM Dojo