Restore options

Define a backup and recovery strategy for your TwinCAT/BSD system in order to restore TwinCAT/BSD in a very short time in the event of data loss or defective storage media. Backups help to minimize downtime and thus to allow work to continue without large production losses. Both a process for creating a backup copy and a process for restoring it should be defined. Security aspects should also be taken into account and, for example, the storage location where the backup is to be saved should be defined.

Beckhoff offers a simple backup solution with the TwinCAT/BSD installer stick. In addition, the restore point restorepoint program makes restore points possible with TwinCAT/BSD; these restore points store the current state of the system and restore it if necessary. A variety of implementations are therefore available, with the exact definition of a backup and recovery strategy left to the user.

The following scenarios are possible and are intended to help you understand the different modes of operation. However, the scenes presented should not be considered the only way recommended by Beckhoff.

Scene 1: Factory settings

An Industrial PC with TwinCAT/BSD is to be reset to the factory settings in case of a problem.

• The user tests and develops on an Industrial PC with TwinCAT/BSD.
• In the test and development phase, there is a problem because, for example, basic settings have been changed.
• The user can resolve the issue by resetting TwinCAT/BSD to its factory settings (see Resetting to factory settings).

Scene 2: Series production

The test and development phase has been successfully completed. The machine builder wants to start series production:

• The machine builder creates a restore point (OEM delivery state) in order to be able to restore the system in the event of an error (see: Creating a restore point). The machine builder's end customer can use this restore point in case of problems.
• The machine builder then activates the Write Filter to secure TwinCAT/BSD in the preconfigured state and to prevent a misconfiguration at the end customer (see Write filter).
• In the final step, the machine builder creates a backup, which is stored as a master image and used for series production (see Creating a backup).

Scene 3: Commissioning at the end customer

The machine arrives at the end customer and is to be secured after commissioning:

• After parameterizing the machine, the end customer creates a restore point called “Commissioning” (see Creating a restore point).
• The end customer then activates the Write Filter in order to avoid accidental misconfiguration (see Write filter).
• The end customer creates their own backup (see Creating a backup) so that they can restore the system, for example, in the event of a defective data carrier (see Restoring a backup).