[VSS] How to export the configuration file using the Import/Export tool?

Question

How to export the VSS configuration file using the Import/Export tool?

Answer

The VAST Security Server software (VSS) includes a tool called 'Import-Export Utility' which can be used to save the VMS configuration files. This includes the server's main configuration, alarms, accounts, recording settings, etc. These configurations can then be uploaded to new installations (to replicate the system) or used if the server needs to be replaced with a new PC. 

VIVOTEK also recommends exporting the configuration files before making major changes to the server. These changes include:

1. Software upgrade
2. Camera management (big number of cameras)
3. Recording changes (HDD or storage groups)

Please follow the next steps to export the VSS configuration files:

Step 1. Go to Start menu > All programs > VIVOTEK VAST Security Station and open the "Import-Export Utility".

Step 2. Select 'Back up settings' option. Then, click on the 'Browse' button to specify the location where the configuration file will be saved.

• If you are using VSS v1.0~1.4, select the 'Export current settings' option. Then, click on the '...' button to specify the location where the configuration file will be saved.

Step 3. Name the file and then click the save button.

Step 4. After the path and file name have been correctly configured, click on the "Next" button to start the configuration extraction.

Please note that during this process the server will be stopped for around 1~2 minutes meaning that all recording processes will be halted until the configurations are exported. 

When the process is finished, a "Success" message will appear.

Step 5. When you finish, a .bin file containing your server configuration settings will be saved into the destination folder.