Paxton 10: Setting Up Recovery Passwords, Backups, and Restoring Data
This document provides instructions on how to set up a recovery password, create system backups, and restore data for the Paxton 10 system.
General Information
When the Paxton 10 software is updated to version 4.7 SR2 or higher, a recovery password must be created on the system. This recovery password is used to secure created backups and is required to restore these backups. This password applies to the system, not to the user who creates it.
It is crucial to remember and securely store the recovery password, as it is impossible to restore system backups without it.
The recovery password can be changed in the System Settings menu. When the recovery password is changed, it will apply to all new backups, and all previous backups will be cleared.
Setting Up the Recovery Password
When upgrading the Paxton 10 software to version 4.7 SR2 or higher, a software user with installer privileges must create a recovery password upon logging into the system. The recovery password must be set, and the prompt cannot be closed until the password is configured.
A backup USB stick must be inserted into the Paxton10 Software controller before proceeding.
The password requirements (length, special characters, etc.) are the same as when creating a user for the system. The system will indicate if the entered password meets the requirements.
Once set, a new backup is immediately created and encrypted with the new password. The system will automatically delete all unencrypted backups. Existing encrypted backups on the USB stick will not be deleted, as they may be needed for migration to a new or factory-reset software controller.
Restoring a Backup to a New Software Controller
CAUTION!
- If you plan to restore a backup to a new software controller that was created on a Paxton 10 system without a recovery password (unencrypted), you will be prompted to create a recovery password on the new controller. Stop immediately and contact Paxton support. If you proceed to create a recovery password, backups will be automatically deleted from the USB stick, and all backups will be lost.
- If you plan to restore from a backup made on a system with a recovery password (encrypted) to a new software controller, it is essential that the recovery password set on the new software controller matches the old software controller.
Changing the Recovery Password
The recovery password can be changed in the System Settings menu under the 'Back-up' tab. A backup USB stick must be present in the Paxton10 Software controller to proceed. Once set, a new backup is immediately created and encrypted with the new password. The system will automatically delete all current backups because their passwords do not match the newly set password.
Creating a System Backup
A system backup is automatically created every day, but a manual backup can also be performed.
Manually Creating a Backup
Select the gear icon ⚙️ in the top right corner of the taskbar to open System Settings. Open the 'Backup' tab and click 'Create a backup now' to create an immediate backup.
The system can be fully used while a backup is being created. You will receive a notification when the backup is complete.
Restoring a Backup
The system can be restored to a backup. When you restore the system, all settings and components are reverted to the state at the time the system backup was made. All events and changes made since that time will be lost.
- Select the gear icon ⚙️ in the top right corner of the taskbar to open System Settings and open the 'Back-up' tab.
- Select the date to which you want to restore from the list.
- Click 'Restore' ▶️.
- If the backup is protected with a recovery password, you must enter the recovery password to restore the backup.
CAUTION: If the system prompts for the recovery password to restore, you cannot restore the backup without it. In this situation, it is recommended to change the recovery password in the System Options menu. This password will then apply to all subsequent backups created. You must then attempt to manually resolve the issues that necessitated the restore, such as manually re-creating accidentally deleted users.
Limitations of Restoring a Backup
Restoring a backup allows you to revert your system to a specific point in time. However, there are some limitations to what can be restored. This section describes various scenarios to consider when restoring a backup.
Restoring Reset Devices
If a Paxton10 device was reset using the reset button after the backup you wish to restore was created, the device will appear in hardware management upon restore. However, it will not function and will be shown as offline because it has been reset. You must remove the device from hardware management, let it be detected again, and then re-associate it with the Paxton10 software.
Restoring Master Controllers
If a master controller was reset using the physical reset button on the controller after the backup you wish to restore was created, the controller will be displayed in the hardware management menu after the backup restore but will not function and will be shown as offline. You must remove all hardware from this location from the hardware management menu. You also need to physically reset these devices. After re-adding the master controller, all other devices at this location will be detected, and you can associate them with the existing software devices.
Restoring When Switching Master Controllers
If a master controller is offline and a new master controller has been designated at the multi-site location after the backup you wish to restore was created, the old master controller will be indicated as the master controller again. However, it will not function correctly, as the controller is no longer the master controller for this location. You must remove all devices from this location via the hardware management menu and re-add the master controller. Subsequently, the master controller will detect all other devices at this location, allowing you to add them back into the software.
Software Version
When restoring a backup to a new software controller, ensure that the same software version is installed on the new software controller. This is crucial to prevent database issues due to version differences and avoids firmware upgrades/downgrades.
Factory Reset and System Restore
Restoring to Factory Settings
It is possible to restore the system to default factory settings. Doing so will erase all data.
- Select the gear icon ⚙️ in the top right corner of the taskbar to open System Settings and open the 'Back-up' tab.
- Click 'Disconnect Hardware' – This will reset all Paxton10 hardware so it can be reconnected to a system.
- Click 'Restore to default factory settings'.
All software users will be logged out, and the system will be reset to factory settings. When the system is restored, the Paxton 10 software will redirect you to the login page so you can create a new user.
The Paxton 10 hardware must be reset before you can detect and associate them with your system.
