User guide

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10.1.3 Export and import of backup plans
The export operation creates a file with complete configuration of the backup plan. You can import
the file to reuse the exported backup plan on another machine.
Centralized backup plans can be exported from a management server and imported to a
management server only.
You can edit plans in the Acronis Backup & Recovery 11 graphical user interface when importing
them or after. Backup plans are exported to .xml files, so you can edit the export files of backup plans
(p. 194) with text editors. Passwords are encrypted in the export files.
Usage examples
 Agent reinstallation
Export the backup plans before reinstalling the agent and import them after reinstalling.
 Deploying of a backup plan to multiple machines
You have an environment where using of Acronis Backup & Recovery 11 Management Server is
not possible; for example, because of security restrictions. Nevertheless, you want to use the
same backup plan on multiple machines. Export this plan from one of the machines and deploy it
as a file (p. 196) to the other machines.
Adjusting credentials
A scheduled plan contains credentials of the user account under which the plan's tasks run. The plan
will not start on a machine where a user account with identical credentials does not exist. To avoid
this situation, do one of the following:
 Create an account with identical credentials on the second machine.
 Edit credentials in the export file before importing. For details, see Editing the export file (p. 194).
 Edit credentials after importing the plan.
When creating a backup plan with manual start, do not change the Run under the current user
setting in Plan parameters > Show task credentials, comments, label. With this setting, the plan's
tasks will always run under the account of the user who starts them.
Steps to perform
To export a backup plan
1. Select a backup plan in the Backup plans and tasks view.
2. Click Export.
3. Specify the path and name of the export file.
4. Confirm your choice.
To import a backup plan
1. Click Import in the Backup plans and tasks view.
2. Specify the path and name of the export file.
3. Acronis Backup & Recovery 11 will show the Edit backup plan page. In most cases, you need to
update the plan's credentials and the access credentials to the backup destination. Make the
necessary changes and click Save. Otherwise, click Cancel, and the plan will be imported as is.