Export
Exporting creates a backup of application profiles — registry entries, configuration files, and data folders — based on your application definitions. Exports can be run from the GUI or automated via the CLI.
How Export Works
The export process reads your application definitions, collects the specified registry entries and files from the local system, and writes them to a target location along with a manifest XML file. The manifest describes what was exported and is required for import.
Export uses a best-effort approach: if individual registry keys or files cannot be read (e.g. access denied, locked files), the export continues with the remaining items and reports partial failures.
What Gets Created
An export produces a manifest file and a data folder at the chosen target location:
| Output | Description |
|---|---|
MyBackup.xml |
Manifest file — lists all exported applications with metadata |
MyBackup\ |
Data folder containing per-application subfolders with Registry\ and Files\ subdirectories |
The data folder name is derived from the manifest file name (without extension). Both the manifest and data folder must remain together for import.
GUI vs. CLI
| Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| GUI Export | Interactive use — select apps visually, create/edit definitions, monitor progress in real time |
| CLI Export | Automation — scheduled tasks, deployment scripts, CI/CD pipelines, silent mode for non-interactive operation |
Topics in This Section
- How to Create a Backup (GUI) — Step-by-step guide for exporting via the graphical interface
- Export via CLI — Command-line syntax, parameters, and examples
- What Exactly Gets Exported — Registry keys, files, ACL handling, and best-effort behavior
- Understanding the Manifest File — Manifest structure, validation, and common issues
- Export Troubleshooting — Solutions for common export errors
Next Steps
After running your first export, you may want to:
- Import (Restore) — Restore application profiles from your backup
- Mapping — Set up path transformations for restoring to a different machine or user
- Working with UNC Paths — Store backups on network shares