On this page
01. What to protect02. How to back up03. How to restore04. Terminal as a second copy05. Good habits06. A typical scenario07. Common mistakes08. Quick checklist09. Frequently asked questions
Use the software's backup or database tool to save the database to a different drive on a schedule, copy it off the PC, and restore it on the new PC after reinstalling the same software version.
Key takeaways
- Back up before every payroll close.
- Keep a copy off the PC, such as a USB or cloud drive.
- Restore into the same software version.
- Also keep a USB download from the terminal.
01What to protect
- The ZKBio Time.Net database (SQLite by default, or SQL Server if you chose it).
- Your installer and licence details.
- Exported reports for closed pay periods.
02How to back up
- Close the software or use its built-in backup/database tool under the system or database menu.
- Choose a destination on another drive, not the same disk.
- If your version stores data in a database file, copy that file while the software is closed.
- Name the copy with the date, for example attendance-2026-10-31.
- Repeat monthly at least, and before every payroll close.
03How to restore
- Install the same version of the software on the new PC. See install guide.
- Close it, then place the backup database where the software expects it, or use the restore function.
- Start the software, log in and check Attendance > Transaction for your old records.
- Re-add the device if needed and download new punches.
04Terminal as a second copy
The K40 Pro keeps punches in its own memory until cleared. Do not delete them from the terminal until you are sure the software and your backup have them. See memory full.
05Good habits
- Back up to two places.
- Test a restore once a year.
- Keep the admin password in a safe place; see login password help.
06A typical scenario
A Kilimani company's HR PC died on a Monday. They had a USB backup from the 30th and the terminal still held the last weeks of punches. After reinstalling the same version and restoring the database, they downloaded the new punches and lost nothing.
Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named customer.
07Common mistakes
- Backing up to the same disk as the database.
- Not testing a restore.
- Restoring into a different software version.
- Deleting terminal records before the backup is safe.
- Keeping the only backup on the same PC.
08Quick checklist
- Backup before every payroll close
- Copy to a second location
- Name files by date
- Keep installer and licence
- Test a restore yearly
- Record where backups live
09Frequently asked questions
How often should I back up?
At least monthly, and always before closing payroll or upgrading the software.
Can I back up to the cloud?
Yes: copy the backup file to Google Drive, OneDrive or similar after creating it. Do not store the live database in a synced folder.
Will restoring bring back device settings?
Device records come back with the database, but test the connection and re-sync if needed.
Does Qyvea offer backup setup?
Yes. We can schedule backups and train your HR team. Message us.
This guide is part of our ZKTeco K40 and ZKBio Time.Net series. For the full start-to-finish walkthrough with screenshots, read How to Configure a ZKTeco K40 Pro with ZKBio Time.Net.
ZKTeco and ZKBio are trademarks of ZKTeco Inc. Menu names on the K40 Pro and in the software vary slightly by firmware and software version; where yours differ, look for the nearest match. Qyvea is a ZKTeco reseller and installer in Kenya.
