Backing up and Restoring Key Pair

In case your Windows user profile is ever damaged or destroyed, you should always make a back-up copy of your key pair in a safe location.

Backup Key Pair

  1. Go Tools|Key exchange and select "Backup Key Pair…".
  2. QDS will issue a warning: "The Backup/Restore commands allow you to restore your QDS public-private exchange keys in the event that your Windows user profile is damaged or destroyed. The backup file that you are about to create contains your private key and should be protected with a strong password. In addition, the backup file should be saved on removable media and stored in a physically secure location. Do you wish to continue with this operation?"

Warning: "The Backup/Restore commands allow you to restore your QDS public-private exchange keys in the event that your Windows user profile is damaged or destroyed. The backup file that you are about to create contains your private key and should be protected with a strong password. In addition, the backup file should be saved on removable media and stored in a physically secure location. Do you wish to continue with this operation?"

  1. The Key Exchange Backup File dialog box will open with the default name "QKeybackup.bin" in the File name box. Click Save to continue.
  2. Enter and confirm your password. This password is used solely to protect the backup file; it does not have any connection to the Read password.

Key Exchange backup file password box

  1. After entering the password, QDS will notify you that your key exchange keys have been saved.

Restore Key Pair

If the original Key Pair is ever destroyed, use the Tools|Key Exchange|Restore key pair… function to open the appropriate backup file. QDS will prompt you for the correct password before restoring the Key Pair.