MYOB Backups

Hi Mydataxport​ 

Took me an hour - my visual studio 22 Pro is now opening .myox files - and I have full read/write to them and the complete database layout and schema and all the data is there in read/write.

This is now very interesting progress - going to have a play!

Enough said.

The Doc

Hi Mydataxport​ 

I will let you know if I need a project to keep my brain active - ..... but a neat challenge to think through.

Might have a go - ....

The Doc

Hi Doc

At present, MyDataXport does not download the information into a single database.

The accounting data is exported into structured Excel and CSV files, with reports and the attachments made available through MYOB’s API saved into organised folders in the business’s own Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.

The attachments are retained as actual files rather than being embedded within a database. We also use meaningful file names and folder structures so they can be searched and matched back to information such as the transaction date, supplier or payee, transaction number and document type.

The cloud storage can, of course, also be synchronised to a local computer, server or NAS if the business wants its own local copy.

So the current output is an independent, open-format archive rather than an SQL CE database or an AccountRight restore file. MYOB remains the live accounting system.

Rebuilding an AR SE 2026.5 SQL CE file is certainly an interesting idea. I expect the challenge would be less about accessing SQL CE through Visual Studio and more about accurately recreating MYOB’s complete internal schema, relationships, identifiers, validation rules and any objects that are not exposed through the public API.

We have deliberately not gone down that path because the aim of MyDataXport is to create a durable and searchable archive that remains readable without relying on a particular version of AccountRight. Reconstructing a valid AccountRight file would be a separate and considerably different technical project.

Given your experience with the MYOB endpoints and writing your own read/write integrations, I would certainly be interested to hear what you uncover.

Hi Mydataxport​ 

Interesting. I know my way around all of the Endpoints with apps for clients reading and writing. Reading is a lot easier.

What format is the data downloaded to? - i.e. what database?

What would be neat is grabbing that data and re-building an AR SE 2026.5 SQL CE format which actually is part of Microsoft Visual Studio drivers - interestingly.

I use V S all the time for my VB.NET and VC#.Net apps - might do some investigating, and see what I can find out.

For your info I do not use MYOBs SDK for accessing their API - wrote all my own read/write endpoint accesses. 

The Doc

Hi Doc,

That is broadly what MyDataXport does.

For anyone who needs a separate copy of their MYOB records outside MYOB’s own online backup process, MyDataXport may be worth looking at.

It does not reinstate MYOB’s offline backup feature and it does not create a MYOB restore file. MYOB remains the live accounting system.

What MyDataXport does is connect to MYOB through the official API on a read-only basis and export the accounting data and attachments made available through the API into cloud storage controlled by the business, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.

The attachments are downloaded as actual files and stored with the related transaction information. We also use meaningful, audit-friendly file names and folder structures based on details such as the transaction date, supplier or payee, transaction number and document type, rather than leaving the business with files identified only by random codes.

There is one important qualification around “all attachments”. MyDataXport can export the records and attachments that MYOB makes available through its official API. Users can run a sample export first so they can see exactly what will be retrieved from their MYOB file before proceeding with a full one-off or recurring backup.

MyDataXport creates an independent, searchable archive of the available MYOB data and supporting documents in open formats. It is intended for record keeping, audit history, EOFY snapshots, ATO/IRD requirements, cancelled subscriptions and migration planning, rather than restoring the information back into MYOB.

We are now active and listed on the MYOB App Marketplace.

Disclosure: I’m connected with MyDataXport.

MYOB App Marketplace listing:
https://www.myob.com/au/apps/mydataxport

More information:
https://www.mydataxport.com

Hi mariushasan​ 

Looks interesting - so you can get all attachments through the API? - once you take an MYOB offline to local storage - all the attachments disappear - obviously they are linked to the online.

Seems counterproductive that the backup (to local of old) doesn't include attachments - which in an ATO audit would be essential for corroboration.

I am an API developer but never looked at the endpoint for grabbing attachments which I assume exists - interesting.

An opinion - I think this is where we have to go is via the API to get a local backup - but not a restore backup.

However, if an app could be invented to drag the data through the api and rebuild a SQL CE database to the SQL CE version - SE AR 2026.5 would always be able to open it.

Regards Doc

We hit the same wall after 2026.5. Ended up deciding to fix it ourselves, I'm building a small app that pulls a full copy of the file (data plus all attachments, plain Excel/CSV) through the official API, read only, straight into our own cloud storage on a schedule. It's not a restore file, MYOB doesn't permit that for outside apps, but it is the independent point in time copy our accountant kept asking about. covlens.com/ledgervault if anyone wants in early. Should say clearly, this is my project, not something from MYOB.

I have requested a copy their  Cyber Security Certificate that has to be done on a yearly basis.  And at this stage no response.  Such as SOC2 type 11 Report/ISO/IEC 27001 certificate.

regards

WTF12

Only thing achieved by removing offline backups is another push for MYOBs ever increasing slide into irrelevance for Australian Businesses 

I access 3 company files 99% of the time online, but wish to keep backups offline for security and future reference 

With MYOBs Disgraceful record of support and retrograde progress, how could I ever trust them with MY company back up files only being kept online 

Please at least try and do at least one thing right and restore the offline back up option

Only thing achieved by removing offline backups is another push for MYOBs ever increasing slide into irrelevance for Australian Businesses 

I access 3 company files 99% of the time online, but wish to keep backups offline for security and future reference 

With MYOBs Disgraceful record of support and retrograde progress, how could I ever trust them with MY company back up files only being kept online 

Please at least try and do at least one thing right and restore the offline back up option