Configuration export/import

Applies to version: Version 7.x

Configuration Export and Import

SimpleSYN provides the ability to export your configuration settings to a file and import them on another computer or as a backup. This feature helps you:

  • Backup your settings before making changes
  • Transfer configurations to a new computer
  • Share configurations with team members
  • Restore settings after reinstalling SimpleSYN

Exporting Your Configuration

How to Export

  1. Open the Export Dialog
    • Open SimpleSYN and briefly press the 'Alt' key once to open the main menu
    • Click on 'File' in the menu, then select 'Export Configuration'


  2. Choose Export Location
    • Click the Browse button to select where to save your configuration file
    • Choose a memorable location (like your Documents folder)
    • The file will be saved with a .zip extension

  3. Configure Export Options

    • Include Sensitive Information - Check this option if you want to include passwords, certificates, and other sensitive information
      • Important: When this option is enabled, you must set a password to protect the exported file
      • If unchecked, only non-sensitive configuration settings will be exported
    • Password Protection (when including sensitive data)
      • Enter a strong password in the Password field
      • Confirm the password in the Repeat Password field
      • Remember this password - you'll need it when importing the configuration
      • The password encrypts all sensitive data in the export file

  4. Complete the Export
    • Click OK to start the export process
    • The system will create a file containing your configuration

What Gets Exported

Always Included: 

  • Synchronization profiles and folder mappings
  • General application settings and preferences
  • Server connection settings (without passwords)
  • Sync rules and filters

Included Only When "Include Sensitive Information" is Checked: 

  • Account passwords
  • Security certificates
  • Encrypted connection details
  • Any other sensitive authentication information

Importing a Configuration

How to Import

  1. Open the Import Dialog

    • Open SimpleSYN and briefly press the 'Alt' key once to open the main menu
    • Click on 'File' in the menu, then select 'Import Configuration'


  2. Select Configuration File

    • Click the Browse button to locate your configuration file
    • Navigate to where you saved the exported configuration
    • Select the .zip file you want to import

  3. Configure Import Options

    • Include Sensitive Information - Check this option if you want to import passwords and other sensitive information
      • If the file contains sensitive data but this option is unchecked, only non-sensitive settings will be imported
    • Password (for encrypted files)
      • If the configuration file is password-protected, enter the password here - This must be the same password that was used when exporting the configuration - Leave blank if the file is not password-protected

  4. Complete the Import
    • Click OK to start the import process
    • Important: SimpleSYN will restart automatically to apply the new configuration
    • All existing settings will be replaced with the imported configuration

Important Notes About Importing

  • Backup First: Consider exporting your current configuration before importing a new one
  • Application Restart: SimpleSYN will automatically close and restart to apply the imported settings
  • Complete Replacement: The import process replaces your current configuration entirely
  • Password Required: If you see an error about a password being required, the file was exported with sensitive data protection

Certificate and Server Identity Behavior

Understanding how SimpleSYN handles certificates and server identity during export/import is crucial for proper operation:

Server Identity and Certificates

  • Server Identity: Each SimpleSYN installation has a unique certificate that serves as its identity
  • Server Discovery: This certificate is used by clients to locate and identify a specific SimpleSYN server
  • Network Recognition: The certificate determines the server name and ID that clients connect to

Certificate Import Behavior

When Certificates Are Included in Import: 

  • If "Include Sensitive Data" is checked and the export contains certificates, they will be imported
  • The imported certificates maintain the original server identity
  • Existing clients can continue connecting without changes

When Certificates Are NOT Included in Import: 

  •  If "Include Sensitive Data" is unchecked, certificates are excluded from import
  • A new certificate is automatically created for the installation
  • Important: This changes the server identity, requiring all clients to be reconnected

New Computer Detection

SimpleSYN automatically detects when a configuration is being imported to a new computer by comparing machine names:

Same Computer Import 

  • Machine name matches the original export
  • Certificates are imported if available
  • Server identity is preserved
  • Clients maintain existing connections

New Computer Import: 

  • Machine name differs from the original export
  • A new certificate is automatically created regardless of import settings
  • Server identity changes (new server name and ID)
  • All clients must be reconnected to the new server

Important Implications for Server Administrators

If you're migrating a SimpleSYN server to a new computer or if you disabled 'Include Sensitive Information' during export: 

  1. All connected clients must reconnect
  2. Plan for client downtime during the migration
  3. Communicate the change to all users who sync with your server
  4. Update any automated sync configurations that reference the old server

If you're restoring on the same computer: 

  1. Ensure "Include Sensitive Information" is checked during both export and import
  2. This preserves the server identity and maintains client connections

Security Considerations

Password Protection

  • Use Strong Passwords: Choose passwords that are difficult to guess
  • Store Passwords Securely: Remember or safely store the password used for encryption
  • Lost Passwords: If you forget the password, the sensitive data in the export cannot be recovered

File Security

  • Secure Storage: Store exported configuration files in a secure location
  • Encrypted Files: Files with sensitive data are automatically encrypted when password-protected
  • Unencrypted Files: Files without sensitive data are not encrypted but still contain configuration details

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

"Password Required" Error 

  • The configuration file is encrypted and needs the password used during export - Enter the correct password in the Password field during import

Settings Don't Appear After Import 

  • The import process requires SimpleSYN to restart - If the restart didn't happen automatically, manually restart the application

Clients Can't Connect After Import 

  • This typically happens when importing to a new computer or when certificates weren't included
  • The server identity has changed and all clients need to be reconnected - Reconfigure each client with the new server connection details

File Format

Configuration files are stored in a compressed format with the following characteristics:

  • File Extension: .zip (or custom extension you choose)
  • Format: Compressed archive containing XML configuration data
  • Encryption: AES encryption when password-protected
  • Compression: Built-in compression for smaller file sizes

The exported file is completely self-contained and includes everything needed to restore your SimpleSYN configuration on another computer.