Which path do I need? Before you import or restore a project, confirm which situation you're in - using the wrong path can overwrite data or make recovery harder. If this project has never been imported into Microvellum before (e.g., you're bringing it in from an archive, another system, or a library for the first time), use this article. If you previously imported and worked on this project, and it has now disappeared from the Open Project list even though the project folder still exists on disk (e.g., in the Factory Database location), this is a missing or deleted database record, not a first-time import - use "Recovering Deleted Projects in Microvellum" instead. Either way: back up your MicrovellumFactory.SDF file (or SQL database) before taking any action. If you're not sure which scenario applies, stop and back up before proceeding, or contact support for help confirming.
The Import function of Database Management is a powerful tool that modifies data in the current configuration. It is recommended to ALWAYS back up your data before executing a data Import.
All records associated with the selected Project(s) are transferred by default. These records include Rooms, Locations, Drawings, Products, Subassemblies, Specification Groups, Project Level Materials, Primary Processing Stations, and Primary Tool Files.
Fig. 01 - Database Management Utility - Import Project
Select IMPORT from Selected Source to Current Configuration > browse to the file location containing the MicrovellumFactory.sdf to be imported > select the MicrovellumFactory.sdf.
Select the Projects tab.
The middle panel is populated with data from the selected database. Select the Project to be imported from this central panel.
When pulling from an archival database, chances are not everything in the external database needs to be imported. The middle panel in the image above allows you to select only the items you wish to import. The items specified appear in the panel on the right. Items can be selected from multiple categories at once.
Select Transfer.
Additional Options
When importing a project, the following Additional Options are available:
Fig. 02 - Additional Options when Importing a Project
Transfer All Hardware Drawings - Check or uncheck this box to control the automatic transfer of all hardware drawings associated with a library or Project. If the materials are not transferred, errors may be generated after the items have been imported, when working with the data on another system.
Any desired Additional Options should be selected BEFORE the transfer.
Resolving Duplicates
When importing from a database that includes data duplicated from the Factory Database, like an archival database, the Resolve Duplicate Names window appears.
Fig. 03 - Resolve Duplicate Names
There are three options to resolve duplicates:
Skip - Does not change the existing item, and an additional item is not added. The item is ignored.
Replace - Replaces the item in the target location that has the duplicate name.
Keep Both - Appends to the target location. A new name must be given to the item.
Fig. 04 - New Name
When a project is imported, an import category is added that contains the Project. This appears in the tree-view:
Fig. 05 - Import Category