Backups

Backups live in Settings → Backups in the desktop app. They need the installed app, not a copy run from source.

Backups won't turn on#

• Pick a folder you can write to, outside Murage's own data folder. A folder inside .murage is refused, because a backup kept with the data it protects is lost with it.
• Allow the restart. To take a backup, Murage closes and reopens its own window. It asks your permission once. Backups can't run until you allow it.
• On Windows, pick a local folder. A network folder or a USB stick is refused, because Windows can't lock those down to your account. A password file you choose is refused if other accounts can open it.

Backup now does nothing#

Back up now won't start while a bot is working or another backup is running. Wait for the bots to finish, or stop the running turn, then try again.

The daily backup didn't run#

• Murage needs to be running at backup time, unless Also back up when Murage is closed is on. That option works on a Mac and on Linux (.deb and AppImage), not on Windows yet.
• If a bot was waiting for your answer, the backup waits too. Settings → Backups and the Inbox name the bot, and the backup starts as soon as you answer.
• If the backup folder or recovery key was moved, or its drive is unplugged, Settings → Backups names which one is missing, with an Inbox item and a notification.
• A sleeping computer doesn't back up.
• Check the latest verified backup shown in Settings → Backups.

An update is waiting for a backup#

Murage may take a backup before updating. If the update card says it's waiting for the pre-upgrade backup, open Settings → Backups and deal with whatever it shows.

The recovery key#

Your recovery key is the only thing that can open your backups. Murage saves it outside both its data folder and your backup folder, and never keeps another copy.

• Save a copy now: choose Save a copy… and keep one on a USB drive or in your password manager.
• Lost the key? The backups can't be opened without it. If Murage still works on this computer, start a fresh backup with a new recovery key straight away, and save a copy of the new key. Old backups made with the lost key stay unreadable.
• Using your own key file? Open I already have a recovery key and choose Use a key I already have.

Off-site copies fail

• S3-compatible storage: check the endpoint, bucket, region and access keys in Off-site copy (optional). The bucket must already exist, and the keys need permission to write to it.
• SFTP server: check that the key Murage showed you (Copy key) is in the server's authorized_keys for the user you entered. If Murage says the server's fingerprint changed, it refuses to connect. If you reinstalled or replaced the server, choose Change destination and save it again to trust the new fingerprint. If you didn't, ask whoever runs the server first.
• On Windows, SFTP uses the OpenSSH Client that comes with Windows. If it's missing, add it under Settings → System → Optional features.
• Check your storage provider's status and your internet connection.
• Off-site copies are encrypted before they leave your computer.

Restore

• Choose Restore…, then pick a backup on this computer, or choose Find off-site backups and Download verified copy.
• On a new computer, add the same off-site destination first and choose Choose a password file I already have with the off-site password you kept.
• Have your recovery key ready.
• After a restore, memory stays paused until you review it.
• If the restore stops with a message, read it before retrying.

What isn't in a backup

Engine sessions, Local VM home folders and folders outside Murage aren't included. Neither are engines themselves or their sign-ins. Keep important files that live elsewhere in your own backup.

Shortcuts, unusual file names and rebuildable folders such as node_modules and virtual environments don't stop a backup. They're left out, and Murage lists by name what it skipped.

Copying the data folder by hand

Don't rely on copying .murage as a backup. A copy taken while Murage is running can be inconsistent, and saved keys don't move to another computer that way. If you must, quit Murage fully first and copy the whole folder.

See also: Backups and export.