Export and import of backup plans

The export operation creates a file with complete configuration of the backup plan. You can import the file to reuse the exported backup plan on another machine.

Centralized backup plans can be exported from a management server and imported to a management server only.

You can edit plans in the Acronis Backup graphical user interface when importing them or after. Backup plans are exported to .xml files, so you can edit the export files of backup plans with text editors. Passwords are encrypted in the export files.

Usage examples

• Agent reinstallation

  Export the backup plans before reinstalling the agent and import them after reinstalling.

• Deploying a backup plan to multiple machines

  You have an environment where it is not possible to use Acronis Backup Management Server; for example, because of security restrictions. Nevertheless, you want to use the same backup plan on multiple machines. Export this plan from one of the machines and deploy it as a file to the other machines.

Adjusting credentials

Before exporting a backup plan that will further be imported to a different machine, check the user account under which the plan runs (Edit > Plan parameters > Show task credentials,  comments, label > Plan's credentials).

The plan will successfully run on a different machine if the Plan's credentials value is either Acronis service credentials or Run as: ... (current user). If the Plan's credentials parameter contains a specific user account, the plan will start only if there is an identical account on that machine. Therefore, you may need to do one of the following:

• Create an account with identical credentials on the machine where the plan will be imported.
• Edit credentials in the export file before importing. For details, see Editing the export file.
• Edit credentials after importing the plan.

Steps to perform

To export a backup plan

1. Select a backup plan in the Backup plans and tasks view.
2. Click Export.
3. Specify the path and name of the export file.
4. Confirm your choice.

To import a backup plan

1. Click Import in the Backup plans and tasks view.
2. Specify the path and name of the export file.
3. Confirm your choice.
4. If you need to edit the newly imported backup plan, select it in the Backup plans and tasks view, then click Edit. Make the necessary changes and click Save.