How to backup, copy and move the Bidstation database
Making a backup of the Bidstation database is an easy way to to have an option to recover data, if the need arises. Backups can also be helpful if you make a mistake and want a do-over. Making regular backups is recommended, especially during the before the auction stage, before and after data is imported, item and attendee numbers generated, etc.
The Bidstation database is an SQL database and is in a file that has an .mdf extension. SQL also makes a second file with a .ldf extension. When moving or copying the database, only the MDF file is needed. It can be copied, renamed and moved just like a one of those file, when it is not in use (open in Bidstation). However, if the database file is renamed or moved, Bidstation will need to update its current database path so that it “knows” where the renamed or moved database file is located. If the file is renamed or moved, simply click File/Open in Bidstation and browse to the renamed file or to the new location and open the .mdf file to update the path.
Most Bidstation users will start working with Bidstation on a computer in their office, such as a desktop computer, and will want to transfer Bidstation to a laptop for the event. This is a simple process of creating a backup file (which is the same as making a copy of the .mdf file) and transferring it to the computer where it will be opened in Bidstation on.
Transferring may be done via USB thumb drive, Dropbox, One Drive, etc., but emailing may not a good option as MS Outlook may block sending .mdf files as attachments. But you likely would be able to send in a zip compressed file format.