## OVERVIEW

This is the technical guide to the export to v8 process.  

There is also a business administration focused [guide](ay-biz-admin-import-v7.md) to import outlining business object changes and steps that need to be taken after the export process has completed.

Exporting is done with a AyaNova 7 plugin "Export to V8" which is installed automatically with current releases of AyaNova 7.6 or newer.

The export process happens via network and you can export to any server on the same computer or visible inside or outside your network via HTTP.

### IMPORTING FROM AyaNova 7.5 OR OLDER

The Export to V8 plugin can export data from AyaNova 7.6 or newer.  For versions of AyaNova older than 7.6 you must first upgrade them to 7.6 before continuing.

### PLAN FOR ONE OR MORE TEST EXPORTS

AyaNova 8 is very different from prior versions and we recommend doing one or more trial exports before scheduling with your staff to do the final switch-over.  Plan on taking plenty of time to go through the exported data in AyaNova 8, familiarize yourself and your staff with all the changes in the new version of AyaNova.

Ensure data has exported as expected and that all staff are comfortable with working in the new AyaNova before committing to a final export and switch over.

A test export will give you an idea of how long it will take to better plan the final export and change over to v8.


## WARNINGS

### AyaNova 8 database will be erased

The export plugin will erase all data including attached files in the AyaNova 8 database as the first step.
There is no ability to synchronize or export only recent changes from v7, the export process entirely replaces the V8 data.

Note that it's possible to run the export plugin more than once for testing and evaluation just be aware that you will lose anything entered into V8 each time you run the Export to V8 plugin from v7.

In other words you cannot continue to work in both AyaNova 7 and AyaNova 8 at the same time and expect to export and import data repeatedly to keep them in "sync".

### Avoid corrupted data

#### Other users

If other users are working in AyaNova when the export plugin is run the resulting export data may be corrupted as there could be records changed or missing that will be required to import.  Be certain no other users are working in AyaNova 7 before you export.

#### Generator

Be sure to stop the AyaNova Generator *before* starting the export plugin.  Failing to do so could result in a corrupted export.

#### Remote access users

Ensure no users are making changes via a remote access option such as the DataPortal, WBI, MBI or RI.  If you can't be certain they are out we recommend stopping your IIS server to be certain no one is remotely making changes.

### Lost entries

If you have a networked installation of AyaNova 7, when you are ready to transition to the newer version of AyaNova you will need to ensure that no other users are still working in the old AyaNova 7 making entries that will never be brought over to v8 after you do the final export to v8.

We recommend stopping the V7 database server immediately after the final export if there is any chance that there are still users inside or outside of your network that may access AyaNova 7.

### Before uninstalling AyaNova 7

Examine your imported data in AyaNova 8+; carefully ensure that the data you expect to see has been imported properly. You may still need to make another export in case of any issues that arise so it's not a good idea to immediately uninstall AyaNova 7 until you are sure the newer version of AyaNova has all your data in it and is ready for business.

We recommend keeping your AyaNova 7 installation for some time on at least one computer after switching to v8 in case an issue comes up or something needs to be checked.

### Keep your last AyaNova 7 backup

We recommend you keep one or more backup copis of your AyaNova 7 database in a safe location **OFF SITE** for at least a year after transitioning to AyaNova 8 in case any issues arise.  If possible a "permanent" copy burned to DVD may be prudent.

## EXPORTING FROM AYANOVA 7.6

* Avoid future problems: If you haven't already, go back and read the section titled "WARNINGS" above carefully.
*  Multi-user only: If exporting from a networked multi-user AyaNova 7.6 installation, now is the time to ensure all users are out and networked Generator service is stopped.  **Do not proceed until this is verfied**.
* Login to AyaNova 7.6 as *the* Administrator / manager account 
* Select the "Export to V8" plugin in AyaNova 7 from the main window plugin menu and the login and server URL dialog will open (note: this plugin is installed by default in the latest releases of AyaNova.  If you don't see it, you may need to upgrade to the latest release first.)
* Enter the URL of your AyaNova 8 server.  There is a "Test URL" button to optionally confirm if you have entered the correct address or not.
* Enter your AyaNova 8 SuperUser account login credentials. No other account is permitted to perform this operation. The default SuperUser account login name is "superuser" and password is "l3tm3in" if it has not been changed. (you *really* should change it as soon as possible)

* A form will popup and show the progress of the Export operation.  There is no easy way to estimate how long this will take, it depends on the network latency and speed between the Export to V8 plugin and the AyaNova 8 server as well as the number and complexity of objects entered into AyaNova and the quantity and size of files that may need to be uploaded.  Allow plenty of time for this operation.

* When the export is finished you will be able to login to V8 and start [setting things up](ay-biz-admin-import-v7.md)

