Use Workspace Backup → Restore Workspace to unlock, validate, review, and restore a local encrypted .paydaebak point. Paydae validates the point before changing workspace data.

When to use it

Use this guide for recovery into an empty installation or for an intentional replacement of current workspace business data.

Before you begin

  • Keep the selected backup file and its password available. A saved smart password can be used only when it is protected on this device; it is not part of the backup.
  • For an empty installation, be ready to complete local licence, owner, and recovery prerequisites when the flow asks. For an existing workspace, make sure the selected point is the intended replacement, configure a protected smart password in Backup settings, and choose a writable safety backup destination.
  • Keep Paydae open during restore and ensure the device has enough local space.

Steps

  1. Choose the backup file

    Open Workspace Backup → Restore Workspace (or Restore Workspace From Backup during onboarding), then choose a local .paydaebak file under Backup file.

  2. Unlock the backup

    Enter its backup password, or choose Use the password protected on this device if that secret matches the selected file. The password is used by the local installation.

  3. Review the prepared restore

    Select Unlock and review. Check the prepared workspace, backup time, contents, integrity, and compatibility messages before confirming anything.

  4. Complete prerequisites

    Complete any displayed prerequisites. An empty installation can require local owner setup, owner sign-in, recovery setup, or licence eligibility before confirmation. Return to the prepared restore afterward.

  5. Prepare a safety backup for replacement

    For an existing workspace, choose Safety backup destination. A protected backup password must already be stored on this device. Acknowledge that the current business data will be replaced and will not be merged.

  6. Confirm the restore

    Select Confirm and restore for an empty installation, or Confirm and replace workspace for replacement. Keep Paydae open while the local host applies and verifies the restore. Closing the screen does not cancel an admitted operation.

  7. Check the restored workspace

    Review the completed or recovered state, sign in when requested, and confirm representative organisation, employee, payroll, and document records. After replacement, retain and review the safety restore point.

What is restored and what stays local

Workspace payroll records and workspace settings are restored from the allowlist. Licence activation, the current device/local identity, local user accounts, protected secrets, active sessions, and update staging remain installation-specific. Replacement does not merge the selected snapshot with current business data.

What to check

Confirm the intended organisation/workspace, payroll history, settings, and available documents after sign-in. Check Backup restore points for the retained safety point after a replacement. Do not delete that point until your rollback and review period is complete.

Common problems

Wrong password

choose Use different password and retry with the password used to create that file. A forgotten password cannot be recovered.

Corrupted, incomplete, or unsupported file

select a complete .paydaebak file and rerun validation; use Backup restore issue.

Not compatible

update or use the supported installation indicated by the review; do not bypass the compatibility result.

A prerequisite blocks confirmation

follow the displayed owner, recovery, or licence action, then return to the prepared restore. You can cancel a prepared restore before confirmation when Cancel prepared restore is offered.

Protected backup password required

set one in Backup settings and resume the prepared replacement. Select a writable safety destination; Paydae creates and verifies the safety point during the operation.

Restore was interrupted

reopen the app and follow Recover an interrupted restore before attempting another replacement.

Bureau and single-organisation notes

The restore replaces or creates the whole local workspace. In a Bureau workspace, verify the intended client data after restore; the flow does not merge client workspaces.

Related guideBackup and restore overviewRelated guideCreate a manual backupRelated guideMove to a new computerRelated guideBackup restore issueRelated guideRecover an interrupted restore