EndNote: EndNote Backup

Storing your Endnote Library

It is essential that your Endnote Library is stored on your local hard drive. Do not store it on cloud storage services like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive. These services may corrupt your Endnote Library. 

On University laptops and computers store your EndNote Libraries and Data folders at This PC > Windows (C:) > Username (e.g. MSM4)

Backing Up Your Endnote Library

Create back-ups frequently using the Compressed Library option (File > Compressed Library).

Store your back-up library in OneDrive and restore it to your hard drive if you need to at any time.

Syncing your Endnote Library

If you work between different devices you must synchronise your data via EndNote Online. If regularly synchronised, EndNote Online can provide an additonal backup of your Library.

The Compressed Library command saves your library and data folder in a compressed .enlx file. This is the recommended method of backing up. It is also useful if you wish to send a copy of your Library to a colleague. The Compressed file may be stored in the Cloud.

1. Open your EndNote Library.
2. Click the File and select Compressed Library (.ENLX)
3. Choose appropriate options including With File Attachments and click Next
4. Navigate to the folder where you wish to store your compressed backup copy
5. Rename the file if you wish and click Save.

Restoring a Compressed Library File

1. Open EndNote.
2. Click the File and select Open Library
3. Navigate to the folder where you stored your compressed backup and click the .ENLX file.
   This process will extract your Library (.ENL) and .DATA folder. to the same folder that your backup .ENLX is located.
4. In EndNote open the Library as usual.

IMPORTANT: your active EndNote Library must not be in OneDrive or other online/cloud storage as it can become corrupt. You can however, store your Compressed Library (.ENLX) to OneDrive and then restore it to your desktop/hard drive if needed.

[EndNote's alternative 'Save a Copy' method is not advised as that cannot be stored in the cloud due to risk of it being corrupted.]

EndNote Online does not normally need to be backed up. However, there may be reasons that you wish to take a copy of all (or some) of the records in it e.g. if there are issues getting it to sync with your desktop library, or if you want to use these references to populate a different reference management tool e.g. Mendeley.

1. Create your export list in your EndNote online library.
2. Click on the “Format” tab and then click on “Export References”.
3. In the “References:” drop down select the export list
4. Change the “Export Style:” to “RefMan RIS Export”.
5. Click “Save:”

You should now have a text file that you can keep as a backup. You can import this file to an EndNote Library (e.g. to create a new library, or to add references not already in an existing library). Instructions for importing to EndNote are below but these will be slightly different if you are importing e.g. to RefWorks or Mendeley (ask the Library staff if you require assistrance).

6. To import the exported file into EndNote, open your EndNote program
7. Open an existing library or create a new library to import the EndNote online references.
8. Click on File > Import > File (on Windows) or File > Import (On macOS).
9. In the Import dialog, click “Choose” or “Browse”  and select the export file.
10. Select "Reference Manager (RIS)" as the “Import Option”.
11. Change the “Duplicates:” option to your requirement. 
12. Set the “ Text Translation” to "No Translation" and then click on “Import”.

You should now be able to see the references in your EndNote desktop.

Further information.

It is important to regularly backup your EndNote Library especially if you plan to make changes e.g. alter your preferences (sync, reference types etc.),  globally edit or annotate a particular field, upgrade your EndNote software etc.

EndNote advises NOT to create your Library in a cloud environment, such as OneDrive, Dropbox or Google Drive as your EndNote Library may become corrupt or damaged. You can however, save a compressed backup file in the Cloud and restore it to your desktop/hard drive if needed.

Each library is made up of a file with the extension .ENL (your main database) plus a corresponding .DATA folder (this includies your PDFs, other attachments, figures, groups etc). The best method to back up both files together is to create a Compressed Library.

Check the guides on this EndNote help page. Check the tabs at the top for more information.

If you can't find what you need contact library@stir.ac.uk

If you regularly sync your EndNote Desktop Library with your EndNote Online account this will provide a limited backup to your basic references.

Be aware that EndNote Online does not have the full functionality of EndNote Desktop and if this is your only backup you may lose your Group Structure, Customised fields and other features. It is best to take regular backups using Compressed Library function (File > Compressed Library (.enlx).

For more information on synchronising your Library see the EndNote Mini Guide and EndNote Online guide at http://libguides.stir.ac.uk/endnote