This is the editable source code. It allows you to open the project in the MCGS configuration software (usually MCGS Embedded version) and make changes.
Power on the HMI. It should automatically detect the backup files on the USB.
If the project settings allow for "Uploading," you can pull the project files directly from the HMI to your computer.
Connect your PC to the MCGS HMI using an Ethernet cable (preferred) or a dedicated USB programming cable.
When you download a project to the HMI, the software compiles the .mce file into an executable format tailored for the HMI’s underlying operating system (often WinCE or Linux). The "Upload" Catch-22 mcgs hmi backup
If you are a system integrator or plant engineer with access to the original development PC, backing up the source project is the cleanest and most reliable method. Step-by-Step PC Backup: Launch the software on your computer. Open your active industrial project. Click on File in the top menu and select Save As .
: Wait for the progress bar to finish. Once successful, remove the drive. The backup will create a specific folder structure on the USB, such as tpcbackup , which is required for later restoration. Method 2: Backup via MCGS Software (PC-Based)
To back up an MCGS HMI project, you can either transfer the project directly to a computer using the software or export it to a USB flash drive . Option 1: Backup via PC (Software Upload)
Walk to your panel. Check the date on the .mcgs file inside the HMI’s flash disk. If it’s older than 90 days, your backup strategy is already obsolete. This is the editable source code
A dialogue box will appear prompting you to specify the target save directory on your PC. Choose a clear folder path and name the file distinctively (e.g., Line1_Packer_HMI_Backup_2026 ). Click . Step 4: Handle Security Prompts
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about backing up, exporting, and restoring your MCGS HMI software and data. Understanding MCGS HMI Architecture
What if the original engineer vanished and you only have a working HMI? MCGS allows —but with a major caveat.
IF Time = "03:00:00" THEN !FileCopy("\MCGS\Program\Project.mcg", "\HardDisk\Backup\Project_%Date%.mcg") !FileCopy("\MCGS\Program\Config.ini", "\HardDisk\Backup\Config_%Date%.ini") !FileDelete("\HardDisk\Backup\*.bak", 30) //Keep 30 days ENDIF It should automatically detect the backup files on the USB
A FAT32-formatted USB flash drive or SD card (ideally 32GB or smaller for maximum compatibility with older CE-based or Linux-based MCGS firmware).
Name your backups with dates and descriptions (e.g., Welding_Machine_v2_2026-05-30.mcgs ).
There are several types of backups that can be performed on an MCGS HMI system:
By taking proactive steps to back up your MCGS HMIs, you ensure that any unexpected screen failures can be resolved in minutes rather than days. Always test your backup and recovery procedures on spare hardware before a critical failure occurs on the production line.