# Restoring a Project From a Backup

To restore a project based on a backup, instead of the current .cdp project file, do the following:

1. Identify the backup file that you want to use from the list of backup files in the Project folder, via its timestamp.

2. Move the original .cdp file and all of the other backup files, except the one that you want to use, from the Project folder.

   Note: To prevent inadvertently losing necessary changes permanently, Cognex recommends copying and storing the .cdp project file and its backups in another directory before removing them from the Project folder.

3. When you next start Designer, the program will prompt you that the .cdp project file cannot be found, and if you want to use the backup file, instead:

4. Press Yes to continue, and the backup file will now become the .cdp project file.

Note: Any changes that you made to a database or recipe after the backup was created will not be restored, and will need to be recreated in the new project.