Backing Up Your EndNote Files
We strongly recommend that you keep several backup copies of your critical computer files, especially your EndNote libraries and papers that you are writing. There are many ways that a file can be damaged: hard disks can fail, viruses can erase or corrupt files, and, of course, there is always human error and the possibility of accidentally throwing away your thesis or grant proposal the day before it is due. If you have any kind of disaster, big or little, backup copies can save you hours or days of work.
The simplest way to make a backup is to use File Explorer to copy your files to a thumb drive or other portable storage device.
EndNote Sync as a Library Backup
The Sync Feature provides a backup of your current library. If you accidentally delete your library files, you can sync your online library to a new empty desktop library and be working again in no time. EndNote can also recreate a damaged library on your desktop from the synced copy online. See Recovering a Damaged Library.
However, if you have deleted references from your library and emptied the trash, they will also be deleted from the online copy of the library; if you have accidentally deleted references from the online library and emptied the trash, they would also be deleted from the desktop library at the next sync. Making a backup of your library at regular intervals ensures you have access to older material, if you ever need it.
Backup Suggestions
Keep at least two sets of backup disks, each at a different location. We recommend that you have sets for alternate days, so if you discover that something went wrong yesterday, you will have the day-before-yesterday’s version.
Make archival sets of all the files used when you finish an important document. An archival set should include all of the files that are needed to recreate a final formatted paper. Store the backups in a safe place far away from your computer (preferably off-site). If you ever need to recreate the document, you will have all of the necessary files.
Your EndNote library may not be the only file you want to back up. If you have customized reference types, output styles, filters, or connection files, these should also be backed up. See Important Files to Backup for more information about this topic.
Note: Although working EndNote libraries should not be kept in cloud folders or drives, a compressed library can safely be stored in the cloud because it is a single file. Be sure to move or copy the compressed library to your hard drive before opening it. See Saving a Compressed Copy of a Library.