Skip to main content

Search

Welcome to our Support

Moving or copying DEFT to a new PC or server

Michaela Greene
  • Updated

Overview

If you’re upgrading your computer, moving to a new server, or setting up DEFT on another machine, you’ll need to move or copy your DEFT installation and data. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step.

Moving DEFT correctly ensures you don’t lose data and the application runs smoothly on the new system.

What this covers

This article covers: - Moving DEFT from one PC to another PC - Moving DEFT from a PC to a server - Moving DEFT from one server to another server - Copying DEFT to create a test or backup installation

This does not cover installing DEFT from scratch on a new system (see related articles for that).

Before you begin

You’ll need: - Administrator access to both the old and new computer/server - The current DEFT version number (you’ll need this to get the latest update) - The current DEFT installation path (usually something like C:\Program Files\DEFT or C:\DEFT) - A USB drive or network location to copy files to (if moving between machines not on the same network) - Sufficient disk space on the new system - Access to the latest DEFT installer (you’ll download this during the process)

How to find your current installation path

  1. On the old computer, open File Explorer
  2. Right-click on the DEFT application icon (or shortcut)
  3. Select Properties
  4. Click Open File Location
  5. Note the folder path shown in the address bar

Common paths: - C:\Program Files\DEFT - C:\DEFT - D:\Applications\DEFT

How to find your current version number

  1. Open DEFT
  2. Go to Help > About DEFT (or Help > Version)
  3. Note the version number shown

Example: “DEFT v6.2.1”

Steps to move DEFT

Step 1: Locate your current DEFT folder

On the old computer:

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Navigate to the DEFT installation folder (see “How to find your current installation path” above)
  3. Verify you can see the DEFT folder structure:
    • A folder named Data (or similar) – contains your databases
    • A folder named System or Program – contains DEFT application files
    • Various .exe files
  4. Make a note of where this folder is located

Step 2: Back up your data (optional but recommended)

Before moving anything, create a backup of your DEFT data:

  1. Copy the entire DEFT folder to a USB drive or external hard drive
    • This ensures you have a backup if anything goes wrong
  2. Store the backup somewhere safe
  3. You can delete this backup once you’ve confirmed DEFT works on the new system

This step is optional but strongly recommended.

Step 3: Copy the DEFT folder to the new system

If both computers are on the same network:

  1. On the new computer, create a folder where DEFT will live (e.g., C:\DEFT)
  2. On the old computer, open File Explorer and navigate to the DEFT folder
  3. Right-click on the DEFT folder and select Copy
  4. On the new computer, navigate to the location where you want DEFT
  5. Right-click in the empty space and select Paste
  6. Wait for the copy to complete (this may take several minutes)

If the computers are NOT on the same network:

  1. On the old computer, copy the entire DEFT folder to a USB drive:
    • Right-click the DEFT folder > Copy
    • Open the USB drive > Right-click > Paste
    • Wait for the copy to complete
  2. On the new computer, paste the folder from the USB drive:
    • Open the USB drive
    • Right-click the DEFT folder > Copy
    • Navigate to where you want DEFT (e.g., C:\)
    • Right-click > Paste
    • Wait for the copy to complete

[Insert screenshot showing File Explorer with DEFT folder being copied]

Step 4: Download and run the latest DEFT update

You have the old DEFT files, but they need to be updated to the latest version to ensure compatibility and security.

  1. On the new computer, open your web browser
  2. Contact Bright Support or visit the Bright Software website to download the latest DEFT installer for your version
  3. Save the installer to a location you’ll remember (e.g., Downloads folder)
  4. Run the installer:
    • Double-click the installer file
    • When prompted, choose Install to existing folder or Update existing installation
    • Point the installer to the DEFT folder you just copied (e.g., C:\DEFT)
    • Let the installer complete—it will update your files to the latest version
    • When done, the installer will tell you it was successful

[Insert screenshot showing DEFT installer dialog with “Update existing installation” option]

Step 5: Verify and reconfigure data path (if needed)

After updating, verify DEFT can find your data:

  1. Open DEFT on the new computer
  2. You should see your databases listed
  3. If DEFT can’t find your data, you’ll need to reconfigure the data path:
    • In DEFT, go to Settings > Data Path (or File > Preferences > Data Location)
    • Click Browse or Change
    • Navigate to where your DEFT data folder is located
    • Select the folder and click OK
    • Restart DEFT
  4. Test by opening a database:
    • In DEFT, try to open one of your databases
    • If it opens without errors, the move was successful
    • If you see error messages, contact Bright Support with the error details

[Insert screenshot showing DEFT Settings > Data Path dialog]

Step 6: Remove DEFT from the old computer (optional)

Once you’ve confirmed DEFT works on the new system:

  1. On the old computer, you can optionally delete the DEFT folder
    • This frees up disk space
    • Only do this after confirming DEFT works perfectly on the new system
  2. Keep your backup (from Step 2) for at least 30 days, just in case

Result

DEFT is now installed and running on your new computer or server. Your databases and settings have been preserved, and everything should work as before.

Troubleshooting

DEFT opens but can’t find my databases

Possible cause: The data path is incorrectly configured.

Resolution: 1. In DEFT, go to Settings > Data Path 2. Verify it points to the correct folder where your databases are located 3. If not, click Browse and navigate to the correct folder 4. Restart DEFT and try again

Error message: “Cannot access database” or “File not found”

Possible cause: The database files weren’t copied completely, or they’re in the wrong location.

Resolution: 1. On the new computer, open File Explorer 2. Navigate to your DEFT data folder 3. Look for folders named after your databases (e.g., “PAY”, “ERR”, etc.) 4. If these folders are missing, you may need to restore from your backup or contact Bright Support 5. If the folders are there but DEFT still can’t find them, reconfigure the data path (see Step 5 above)

DEFT installer says “Installation failed”

Possible cause: The folder path is incorrect, or the installer doesn’t have permission to write to the folder.

Resolution: 1. Ensure you’re running the installer as Administrator: - Right-click the installer file > Run as administrator 2. Verify the folder path is correct (e.g., C:\DEFT) 3. Check that you have write permissions to the folder: - Right-click the DEFT folder > Properties > Security > verify your user account has “Modify” permission 4. Try running the installer again 5. If still failing, contact Bright Support with the error message

Performance is slow on the new system

Possible cause: The new system has different hardware or network speed, or DEFT data is still being indexed.

Resolution: 1. Wait a few minutes – DEFT may be indexing data on first run 2. Check the new computer’s processor, RAM, and disk speed – these affect DEFT performance 3. If moving to a server, ensure the network connection is fast and stable 4. For very large databases, moving to faster hardware (SSD instead of HDD) can improve performance significantly

Best practices

  • Always back up before moving – Create a backup of your DEFT folder before you start (see Step 2)
  • Keep the backup for 30 days – Until you’re certain everything is working on the new system
  • Test on the new system – Open each of your databases and verify they work before removing DEFT from the old system
  • Update to the latest version – Always run the latest DEFT installer after moving (see Step 4)
  • Record your new installation path – Keep a note of where DEFT is installed on the new system for future reference
  • Move on a quiet day – Avoid moving DEFT during peak business hours when people need to access it
  • For servers: If moving DEFT to a server that will be accessed by multiple users, ensure proper user permissions are configured (contact Bright Support for server setup guidance)

 

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I move DEFT without losing my databases? A: Yes, as long as you copy the entire DEFT folder (including the Data subfolder) and reconfigure the data path if needed.

Q: Do I need to buy a new DEFT license for the new computer? A: No. The license moves with your DEFT installation. You only have one license, active on one system at a time.

Q: Can I run DEFT on both the old and new computer at the same time? A: Only if you have two separate licenses. If you only have one license, DEFT should only be active on one system. Using the same license on two systems simultaneously is a violation of your license agreement.

Q: What if I want to keep a test copy of DEFT on the old computer? A: You’d need two licenses. Contact Bright Support to discuss a test license or development environment.

Q: How long does the move take? A: Depends on the size of your databases: - Small databases (< 1 GB): 5–15 minutes - Medium databases (1–10 GB): 15–60 minutes - Large databases (> 10 GB): 1–4 hours

Q: Can I move just my data without the application? A: Not recommended. Always move the entire DEFT folder and run the latest installer. This ensures compatibility.

Q: What if I accidentally delete DEFT from the old computer before verifying it works on the new one? A: Restore from your backup (from Step 2). This is why backing up is strongly recommended.

Q: Can Bright Support help with the move? A: Yes. If you’re moving to a server or have complex requirements, contact Bright Support. They can provide guidance or assistance.

Q: Do I need to reconfigure my SEPA settings after moving DEFT? A: No. Your SEPA configuration (certificates, bank details, etc.) is saved within DEFT and will move with it. However, verify after moving that all settings are still correct.

Comments

0 comments

Article is closed for comments.