IRIS Installation Workaround Using Backup and Restore

This procedure can be used when the IRIS installation process halts due to large file downloads and another onboard computer already has a working IRIS installation.

The process uses the IRIS Backup and Restore utility to transfer the existing IRIS data from a working PC to the affected PC.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure the following:

  • One onboard PC has a fully functional and updated IRIS installation
  • The affected PC has IRIS installed but cannot complete synchronization or installation
  • Access to a shared/common drive on the vessel server
  • The provided IRIS Backup and Restore utility file
  • Both PCs are connected to the vessel network

Important

  • Close IRIS completely on both PCs before starting
  • Ensure no synchronization is running during the backup or restore process
  • Use the correct IRIS profile during backup and restore
  • The restore process may overwrite existing local IRIS data on the affected PC

Step 1 — Save the Backup and Restore Utility

Download and save the provided IRIS Backup and Restore utility file to a shared location on the vessel server.

Example location:

\\VesselServer\Shared\IRIS\

Ensure both PCs can access this location.

Step 2 — Close IRIS on Both PCs

On both the working PC and the affected PC:

  1. Close IRIS
  2. Confirm IRIS is no longer running in the system tray or Task Manager

Step 3 — Create a Backup from the Working PC

On the PC with the functional IRIS installation:

  1. Run the Backup and Restore utility
  2. Select the correct IRIS profile
  3. Click Backup
  4. Choose a location to save the backup files

Example backup location:

\\VesselServer\Shared\IRIS\Backup\
  1. Wait for the backup process to complete

Step 4 — Restore the Backup on the Affected PC

On the PC requiring installation recovery:

  1. Run the same Backup and Restore utility
  2. Click Restore
  3. Select the IRIS profile to restore to
  4. Click Use
  5. Browse to the previously created backup location
  6. Start the restore process

Wait for the restore to complete successfully.

Step 5 — Start IRIS and Synchronize

  1. Open IRIS on the affected PC
  2. Verify the application opens correctly

If the installation or synchronization page appears:

  1. Click Synchronize
  2. Allow the process to complete

The synchronization should complete quickly because the required data has already been restored locally.

Expected Result

After synchronization completes:

  • IRIS should open normally
  • Existing data should be available
  • Large download requirements should be avoided
  • The installation process should complete successfully

Security Recommendations

  • Store backup files only on secured vessel storage locations
  • Remove old backup files when no longer required
  • Restrict access to backup locations to authorized personnel only
  • Do not transfer backup files over unsecured external media unless required by company policy