The SimaPro database consists of 77 numbered files called ''Professional'' with *.nx1 extension (Professional00.nx1 to Professional76.nx1). The database can only be opened when all of these 77 files are present. As all files are interrelated, please don't replace a single file with another one from another database. The SimaPro database contains:
Libraries: could be a database (ecoinvent, Agri-footprint etc.), or calculation methods
Projects: LCA projects created within this database
This article covers the following topics:
Database location
When installing SimaPro software, the SimaPro database will be installed by default to the following path on your computer:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\SimaPro\Database
Tip: we recommend not to move your main database from this location, so you would always be able to find it if needed. If you cannot find the database in the default location, you can always search for the file name (e.g. 'Professional00.nx1' in Windows Explorer.
When working in SimaPro, you would need, as a first step, to open a SimaPro database. This can be done in two different ways:
When starting SimaPro, a pop-up window will appear to invite you to select and open the database you want to work on.
Opening a SimaPro database with a single-user license:
Opening a SimaPro database with a multi-user license:
In the multi-user version, you will see 'Database server' field. Please make sure to open the database via the server (by default, it's called 'SimaProNexusDB...'). If you open it locally, it will block other users from accessing the same database.
For more details on the multi-user installation please refer to our guidance Basics of SimaPro multi-user.
If SimaPro is already open, you can click File > Open SimaPro Database and select the database you want to work on.
Then, the same pop-up window as seen in the first method will open to invite you to select and open the database.
Once you have opened a SimaPro database it will remain open next time you open SimaPro if you haven’t closed it at the end of your previous work. For that, make sure to select the setting 'Open last opened database on start-up' under Tools > Options > Database > Initial action. If you have closed the database in SimaPro before closing the software, you will need to open the SimaPro database again next time you open the software.
Tip: If, while using SimaPro, a database is already open and you are unsure which one it is, you can refer to the top of the screen where the full path of the database location is mentioned (in yellow in the screenshot below) with the last part of the path being the name of the database (in red in the screenshot below).
To be able to see the database path on your window, make sure the relevant setting is already selected in SimaPro under Tools > Options > Desktop > View > Show full database path.
Naming convention
When installing SimaPro software and its database, the default name for the database is 'Professional'. If for any reason you would need to rename your database, you could do so by clicking on File > Database Management > Rename.
Note: For multi-user, this action can only be done by the Manager. This mean manager needs to redefine their alias as other users cannot automatically open this Database anymore as SimaPro will still look for their "old" DataBase name. To define a new alias, see How can I open a newly-installed database in a multiuser version of SimaPro (or create a new Alias)?
Tip: we recommend maintaining the 'Professional' name database for your main database.
Update database
Every SimaPro software update comes with a corresponding SimaPro database update. The update of the database consists of updating some datasets from some libraries (ecoinvent, Agri-footprint etc.) or calculation methods based on the latest updates from the different editors/providers. As a result of the database update, your LCA results could be modified if your projects use the data affected by the update - For more info please refer to What to expect after a SimaPro desktop update?. To find update instructions and files, please refer to our article SimaPro desktop | Install & Update.
Tip: If you’re searching for more step-by-step guidance on how to update the SimaPro database please refer to our guided videos through the relevant article for your case:
Do a backup of SimaPro database
Open the database you want to back up
Go to File > Database Management > Backup
Click Yes to continue
Edit the name or location of the backup file, if necessary
Click Save
Open a SimaPro backup file
SimaPro backup files have the extension .SPBackup, and can be opened in SimaPro as follows:
Go to File > Database Management > Restore
Browse to the location of the backup and click Open
Select a location and name for the restored database and click Save.
FAQ
Can I work with several SimaPro Databases?
Yes, you can indeed work with several SimaPro databases. Please note that you cannot open multiple databases at the same time in SimaPro desktop. When working with several databases, please ensure to not import one database into the other to avoid data mismatch or downgrade. To maintain a clear and structured workflow, we recommend you make sure to define a clean organization of your database files on your computer (see Database location) and a clear and explicit naming of each of your databases.
How do I create a new 'clean' Professional database?
If you already have a database called ‘Professional’, first open and rename it via: File > Database Management > Rename.
Download the SimaPro installation file to reinstall SimaPro. This will also reinstall the ‘Professional’ database, either in the default database location or any other location you specify. Note that if a database named ‘Professional’ already exists in that location, SimaPro will not install a new database to prevent loss of your data.
How can I move a database to a different location?
In a single-user version, you can move the database manually or via a .zip file. The SimaPro database is installed by default in C:\Users\Public\Documents\SimaPro\Database. SimaPro must be closed when you move or zip the database. A SimaPro database consists of 77 numbered files with an *.NX1 extension, which need to be moved together to the new location.
If you ever want to delete a database and are absolutely sure that you do not need this database anymore, you can move or delete it via Windows Explorer by removing these 77 files.
The first time you start SimaPro again, you will get a message saying that the database is not found. Simply browse to the new database location (which will be remembered by SimaPro). If you carry out automatic backups, make sure your backup software is updated with the new database location.
In a multi-user version, you can also move databases the same way. However, there is an additional step - the new location must be specified as an alias in the SimaPro database server (this article can help). If you carry out automatic backups, make sure your backup software is updated with the new database location.
I have done the SimaPro update and I cannot see my projects anymore. What happened?
As a starting point, you will need to know in which SimaPro database your projects are saved and which one is currently open in SimaPro. For that, please refer to the Database Location section.
This is likely because you've opened the wrong database — for example, the update database file instead of your main database (the one that contains your projects). You'll need to import the update database into your main database instead
For more detailed guidance on how to import the update database into your main database please refer to the Update database (during full update process) section.