creating a backup before changing computers

Former Member over 8 years ago

I am about to start using a different computer, and will be transferring Basecamp to it. Is there a particular process I aught to follow? I see that there is a caution against trying to update to Sierra, so I won't do that yet. Mainly I am wondering if there is a way to create a back-up of all my Basecamp data. I am a little bit tempted to try installing Basecamp from scratch on the next computer, then import my old data set because my current version has always had a problem where it deletes the last imported file when you import a new one, and since I have never resolved this reliably, a new install might be in order but I do not want to loose all my data.

What would be the safest way to make this transition?

Thanks!

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

Use the backup/restore function in BaseCamp ...

Note you will need to install BaseCamp on your new mac as you can't simply copy the program across (at least I don't believe so).

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Use the backup/restore function in BaseCamp ...

thanks, but when I try this Basecamp first asks where to put the file, I select a folder in my documents folder, it then says it's "creating the backup", then I get a "backup invalid" message and a cancel button.

Am I choosing an incorrect destination? Other than that I've hardly had the chance to make another error, what else should I try?

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

Is the documents folder on the same drive as BaseCamp? Not sure why it's not working for you.

You can also manually copy the BaseCamp data folder if for some reason the BackUp function isn't working. In Windows it's at C:\Users\xxx\AppData\Garmin\Basecamp\Database where xxx is your user name but I don't have a mac so not sure if that's similar.

0 steynja over 8 years ago

You can also a third party application called JaVaWa GMTK available here: http://www.javawa.nl/gmtk_en.html

Here is a short extract from that page:
"You can create a backup of your maps with JaVaWa GMTK and restore these (e.g. on another computer) including unlock codes. Re-installing maps is unnecessary.
Migration of your Garmin maps from and old computer to a new one is straightforward with this application."

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

OP is talking about data, not maps.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

OP is talking about data, not maps.

Thanks all: Actually the OP (me) is talking about BOTH data and maps, being fairly ignorant of these matters. I have many years of tracks, routes and waypoints I don't want to loose, plus a batch of .kmz files which are PDF map overlays created by a friend. Those would all be "data" and irreplaceable, so they are my biggest worry.

I only have three maps loaded: I believe "Global map" was native to the system, I think I added City Navigator North America and I KNOW I added Topo US. I think those last two also reside on my Garmin Montana, so I should be able to read those off the device again on a new install of Basecamp, correct?

As for the question about whether I am trying to back up to the same drive; yes, I am. I'd expect if there was a preferred location for the backup files, Basecamp would probably offer that as the default destination when I begin the backup process, but no default is suggested.

I appreciate the suggestion of the third-party software and will try it if I have to, but boy, it seems like Basecamp aught to be able to handle this process internally. Changing computers is a pretty foreseeable eventuality for it's users.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

At what point in the process is it throwing the error? In the normal process the progress bar will slowly go all the way to the end and then BaseCamp will tell you the process has been successful. Perhaps you could try a different directory? You might also consider running Disk Utility:FirstAid against your Macintosh Hard Disk.

A properly functioning system will write the backup file anywhere your operating system allows it to.

If you are unsuccessful in writing a backup of the entire BaseCamp Library you could try exporting your data by List or individual file selections. Tedious but doable!
Or just copy your BaseCamp Library manually to the new machine or to an external drive or usb key. You can find your library location in BaseCamp:Preferences:Advanced

NOTE: Your maps are NOT located or contained in your BaseCamp Libraries folder! Use the JAVAWA software to move them. On OS/X the maps can be found in either the system Library folder or in your Library folder. The pathname for your Library folder will be "Macintosh HD"/Users/YourHomeDirectory/Library/"Application Support"/Garmin/Maps

Note also that your BaseCamp library if you haven't moved it will be found in "Macintosh HD"/Users/YourHomeDirectory/Library/"Application Support"/Garmin/Database/{some number}/ and will have the name AllData.gdb There will also be a backup called AllData.gdb.bak <= This is not to be confused with a normal backup file created by you in BaseCamp which will have the extension .backup

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

I appreciate the suggestion of the third-party software and will try it if I have to, but boy, it seems like Basecamp aught to be able to handle this process internally. Changing computers is a pretty foreseeable eventuality for it's users.

For most users it does, backup/restore has always worked for me. The fact it doesn't for you most likely indicates an issue with your system, not with BaseCamp, but hopefully all the workarounds posted will work for you :D