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This pagesarticle describes whatthe files are created by SAP2000[SAP2000|sap2000:home] creates during model creationmodeling and analysis, and whatwhich files should be saved for archiving.
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h1. Input Filesfiles

For SAP2000, the main The binary input file is the *.SDB file* which is the binary main [SAP2000|sap2000:home] input file. Depending Additional input files may be created, depending on the [load cases|kb:Load case] defined, into thestore model,specific theinformation programabout sometimesthe usesmodel. additionalThese separate input files are listed below to store special information about the modelas follows:

* [Response-spectrum|kb:Response-spectrum Spectrumanalysis], [time-history|kb:Time-history Historyanalysis], [power-spectral-density|kb:Power Spectral Density and Steady State functions (all-spectral-density analysis], and steady-state functions, defined viathrough "Define > Functions"), are sometimes stored in *separate function input files* when the "From File" function type is chosenselected. The user however hasUsers have the option to convert the data stored in these external input filefiles into a "user -defined" data in which case thewhere function data areis stored directly within the binary .SDB file.

* Construction -scheduler data (please note that construction schedules can be created via the ", created through Bridge > Construction Scheduler" menu command), are stored in separate input filefiles with a *.BCS* extension*.

The program also automatically saves Further, *.SBK binary* backup files* and *.S$K text* backup files* are automatically saved in the model directory. ItWe isrecommend recommendedarchiving to archive the .S2K text backup file in addition toand the binary .SDB model file.


h1. Analysis Filesfiles

During the analysis the program creates a number of *binary* *Binary analysis files* are thatcreated areduring usedanalysis to store intermediate and final analysis results, such as displacements, forces, time history analysis results, etc. IfWhen youthe unlockmodel theis modelunlocked, all these binary intermediate files willare get deleted, and youanalysis wouldmust need tobe re-run the model to re-create these files.
If
you* needTo to archive the analysis results, the best approach is to export them[export|kb:Export] using Text, Excel, or Access format as, the process for which is described in the next section.

* The Analysisanalysis log file with the *.LOG extension* contains useful information ( associated with completed analysis, such as [numerical problems|kb:Numerical problems], convergence problems, total analysis time, etc.)
about the completed analyses.

h1. Exporting Resultsresults

Although archiving only the* Archived input files willmay enablebe yourun to obtain analysis results.
by
re-running* theIt model, it maymay also be alsoa good idea to export and *archive the analysis results using some common file format, such as Text, Excel, spreadsheetAccess, or another common Accessfile database*format. AnalysisResults results canmay be exported using thethrough "File > Export > SAP2000 .mdb, .xls, or .s2k". menuSome commandconditions andwhere byarchiving selectingmay allbe analysisappropriate results tables. Below are some common situations when archiving include:
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** When analysis results usingtake thisa approachsignificant shouldamount beof considered:

* Re-running the model to obtain analysis results takes significant time.
* You need to review the resultstime to generate.
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** When results will be reviewed on a computer without [SAP2000|sap2000:home].
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** YouWhen needresults toare archive resultsarchived for a particular software version of the program. IfThen youresults upgradefrom toan a higherupgraded version ofmay thebe program,compared thiswith will enable you to comparethose from the current version results from the previous version results, if needed.


h1. Summary

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Ideal backup strategy Backup should involve backing up all relevant input files, and backing up all exported results which should thatbe areeasily desiredaccessible for convenient accessibilityreview.
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h1. See Also

* [Backups and troubleshooting corrupted models|kb:Backups and troubleshooting corrupted models]

* [Import FAQ]
* [File format and settings files|kb:File format and settings files]

* [Import FAQ|kb:Import FAQ]

{related-incident:no=23763|comment=Output file for archiving.}

{related-incident:no=24973|comment=Archiving SAP2000 models.}