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EndNote 20 for Windows

Step-by-step guidance on using the most popular functions of EndNote 20 on PC

Intro: Backup/ Save a copy of your Library

On a regular basis, backup, backup, backup! 

It is imperative you back up your Library regularly so you can easily recover it, should your EndNote Library, or your PC corrupts. This page shows you how to backup, and recommends backup options.

Watch or read: Backup / Save a copy of your EN Library

Each EndNote library consists of two files:

  • A Library file: extension is .enl 
  • An Associated Data folder: extension is .data

Backup both .enl & .data files in the same location. This should occur automatically when you backup your Library.

To backup your Library:

  1. With your Library open go to File > Save a Copy.

     

  2. Navigate to the location where you want to save. We recommend an external drive as it is the most secure.

     

  3. Save

     

  4. Ensure both the .enl library file and the .data folder are saved. This should happen automatically.  

     

Backup options

We said it already. We say it again. On a regular basis, backup, backup, backup! You could backup your Library using:

Silver external hard drive, blue light on, connected to something (not in picture) with black USB cable.

 

  • An external hard drive (pictured): This is the most secure way to back up and the one we recommend.

     

  • A USB storage device: If you have a large Library, backup on two USBs to be safe!

     

  • CDs: Re-writable CDs, so you can update your backup

 

  • EndNote Online: Sync your desktop Library with your EndNote Online Library.

     

 

FAQ

FAQQ: Can I use a cloud storage eg. Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive, SharePoint,  to back up  or store my Library so that I can access it anywhere?

A: We strongly advise you avoid using cloud storage like DropBox to backup or store your EndNote Library. If you wish to access your Library anywhere, set up EndNote Online. Librarians worldwide have encountered a number of users with corrupt EndNote libraries caused by the use of Dropbox. 

EndNote has the following statement:

"Our database products (EndNote, Reference Manager and ProCite) were not designed for compatibility with this service or other cloud storage. While you can use the service to keep a backup copy or share a compressed copy of your database file(s), we do not recommend opening and/or using the database from that location. If you have your database files saved to Dropbox or any cloud storage, we recommend you copy the files to another location on your computer or remote drive before you open them..." 

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