How to transfer the Processes/Product system to another computer and different versions of databases?

Question

Hello community members!

I have a question would like to ask for your kind help as mentioned in the title.

For your better understanding, I explain my situation here:

1. I built my LCA model in openLCA 1.10.3 with Ecoinvent 3.7.1 consequential system model using my old computer. 

2. I have created several Processes, Flows, and Product systems that I used to calculate the LCIA in the old computer.

3. I am using a new computer now, I have installed openLCA 1.10.3 already.

I want to transfer the already established Processes, Flows, and Product systems from the old computer to this new computer. How can I do that properly?

Since I know that Ecoinvent has released a new 3.8 database, I am considering two options - to continue using v 3.7.1 or v 3.8 (is that even possible?) in the new computer.

Thank you for your help in advance! 

Comments

Please check the response to another related question here:

https://ask.openlca.org/4614/unmerge-two-databases-of-same-system-model?show=4623#a4623

You may export your product system to a new database.

Answer 1

Hi, to migrate to a new computer, backup the databases you want to continue using from within openLCA, on the old computer, you will create zolca files, for each database one, copy these to the new computer, install openLCA on the new computer, and restore the databases from within openLCA.

For migrating to ecoinvent 3.8 from 3.7.1. this is possibe, we explain this in the documentation for ecoinvent 3.8, https://nexus.openlca.org/ws/files/22528.

Best wishes,

Andreas

Comments

Thank you Andreas! this helps for sure

---

This doesn't work for me. Every time I use the restore database option Ii get an error message:

"Could not get the version from the database. Is this an OpenLCA database"

It was backed up as a zolca file.

Answer 2

To transfer OpenLCA data to a new computer, you need to migrate the database and project files. Here’s the step-by-step process:

---

1. Locate the OpenLCA folder on the old computer

By default, OpenLCA saves databases and settings in:

• Windows: C:\Users\[your_user]\openLCA-data-1.4 (or openLCA-data-1.8, depending on the version)

• Mac: /Users/[your_user]/openLCA-data-1.4

• Linux: /home/[your_user]/openLCA-data-1.4

Inside, you will find:

• databases → where the databases are stored (.zolca file or a folder named after the DB)

• config → OpenLCA settings

• imports and exports → files you have imported or exported

---

2. Copy to the new computer

• Copy the entire openLCA-data-x.x folder to a USB drive, external hard drive, or cloud service.

• On the new computer, place this folder in the same default location used by OpenLCA.

---

3. Install OpenLCA on the new computer

• Download the same version you used before to avoid compatibility issues.

• Open OpenLCA, and it should automatically detect the copied databases.

---

4. If you only want to export/import the database

If you prefer to transfer only the database:

1. On the old computer, open OpenLCA → go to File → Export → Database.

2. Save as a .zolca file.

3. On the new computer, go to File → Import → Database and select the exported file.

---

Tip: If you have specific libraries or packages (such as ecoinvent, Agribalyse, etc.), check if they have also been copied, as some may require reinstallation or a license.

---

Comments

yes that is also possible as you describe but more risky as you are then copying outside of openLCA; with a change in the operating system or openLCA version, this process might not work. I would recommend the one I describe in my answer.