How to Migrate Your WonderLister Database to a New Computer (Version 3)

Migrating your WonderLister database to a new computer may sound daunting, but with the right steps, it’s straightforward and safe. This guide walks you through the process of backing up your existing database and restoring it on your new machine.

Note: These instructions apply only to WonderLister Version 3.

Assumptions Before You Begin

Before proceeding, confirm the following assumptions are accurate for your setup:

1. Computer Names:
   • <CURRENT_COMPUTER> = your existing machine where WonderLister is currently running.
   • <NEW_COMPUTER> = the machine where you want to migrate the database.
2. SQL Server Installation:
   • <NEW_COMPUTER> does not have SQL Server installed. (If it does, you must know the connection parameters.)
3. SQL Server Parameters: You’ll need four pieces of information:
   • Computer Name: <NEW_COMPUTER>
   • Instance Name: Typically WonderLister (if installed by WonderLister) or SQLEXPRESS (if installed manually).
   • Windows Authentication: Must be set to YES (no SQL login required).
   • Database Name: Usually WonderLister.

Step 1: Backup the Database on <CURRENT_COMPUTER>

All of the following steps must be performed on your current computer:

1. Shut down WonderLister on all computers.
2. Run WonderLister on <CURRENT_COMPUTER> if it isn’t already running.
3. Navigate to Tools → Options → Backup database and let the backup complete.
4. Close WonderLister.
5. Locate the backup file (.bak extension) in:
   • C:\ProgramData\WonderLister\DBBackups
   • Or the directory configured in your WonderLister Preferences.
6. Sort files by Date Modified (descending). The latest backup (.bak extension) file will be at the top.
7. Copy the .bak file to <NEW_COMPUTER>. For this guide, we’ll call the destination <BACKUP_SAVED_IN_DIRECTORY>.

Step 2: Install WonderLister and SQL Server on <NEW_COMPUTER>

Before restoring the backup, SQL Server must be installed. The easiest way is to let WonderLister handle this:

1. Download the latest WonderLister version 3.x from our website https://wonderLister.com.
2. Run the installer and launch WonderLister.
3. If you see the Welcome screen, proceed. If not:
   • Close WonderLister.
   • Delete all files in C:\Users\<YOUR_WINDOWS_USER_ID>\WonderLister.
   • Restart WonderLister to see the Welcome screen.
4. On the Welcome screen:
   • Click Next.
   • Enter your WonderLister registered email address and password.
   • Select: “I want to save WonderLister data on this computer itself AND SQL Server is NOT installed on this computer.”
   • Click Next.
5. WonderLister will download and install SQL Server.
   • Accept the License Agreement on the first dialog, if asked.
   • Click Next through the remaining dialogs (if asked) until installation completes.
6. When prompted, choose to create a new database named WonderLister.
7. Close WonderLister — we’ll restore the backup next.

At this point, SQL Server is installed and configured with an empty WonderLister database.

Step 3: Restore the Backup on <NEW_COMPUTER>

To restore the database:

1. Download and install Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
   • Search online for the installer; Microsoft provides free downloads.
2. On youtube.com, search for “Restoring a SQL Database Backup Using SQL Server Management Studio”
3. There are thousands of videos on how to restore a SQL database backup. Here is one example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntsigyCkCas

✅ Conclusion

By following these steps, you’ll successfully migrate your WonderLister database from <CURRENT_COMPUTER> to <NEW_COMPUTER>. The process ensures your data is safely backed up, SQL Server is properly installed, and your listings are restored without disruption.