Daz 3D is part of 
Connect
DAZ Productions, Inc.
7533 S Center View Ct #4664
West Jordan, UT 84084
Licensing Agreement | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | EULA
© 2025 Daz Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Comments
You need to back up the ContentCluster folder, as set in the Daz Studio or Install manager preferences. All applications that use the database (DS, DIM, Carrara) must be closed when you do this (otherwise a file might update mid-backup, and you would get a broken database).
You don't need to back up any applications, e.g. DIM, postgreSQL because reinstallation fix them. You just need to back up cms cluster folder: fully back up this folder > %appdata%\DAZ 3D\cms\, by copying the whole cms folder to a safe location on another disk ! You can do it on bi-weekly basis. (that's my way... just in case ~~)
Then if your encounter the similar issue like the one in this thread, you can directly copy cms folder to %appdata%\DAZ 3D\, to overwrite !
I did copy and paste a backup of the cms folder yesterday evening.
Now, I would like to have the ability to redownload the files again through DIM in case I have to reset Windows 11 for some reason after 2025. However, upon installing the files, I checked the box that says "Delete package once installed" after installing most of the items that I had downloaded through DIM. Is there any way I could redownload the files if it comes down to that?
Yes，redirect Manifest Archive folder to an empty folder. Refresh in DIM, you will see product packages are all back into Ready to Download tab. Then download them.
Change Manifest Archive folde to the original folder. Refresh DIM. Uncheck Delete package once installed.
How do I refresh in DIM?
Ah ~~~ click that Refresh button on the top.
Uninstall and reinstall without the delete option checked.
The installation packages have been already deleted, how can he just uninstall then re-install without re-downloading packages...
So I'd like to ask, if I reinstall without the delete option checked, is it a good idea for me to delete only the downloaded zip folders in the Downloads folder located inside the InstallManager folder?
Of course you can delete ZIP packages at any time there if you run out of your disk space or merely because you want to do so ~~ Only one day if you want to re-install, you have to re-download...
Yes, that is the idea - 3Delight is going to be removed from a forthcoming update, it hasn't been removed yet. This was a warning so people could prepare - by backing up their current installers.
So all we really need to back up is just the current installers and maybe plug-ins. Is that correct? Do I need to back up any files I have downloaded through the DIM?
Also, Richard, is it a good idea for me to delete the zip folders I downloaded through DIM to free up hard drive space, or are they necessary if I need to reinstall my backed-up copy of the current 4.24 should I have to get a new computer or reinstall Windows after 3Delight disappears in the forthcoming update?
Keep the back ups, if you need to reinstall copy them to the DIM Downloads folder, start DIM and xhoose to Work Offline (if you are online it will insist on using the update) and install from the Ready To Install tab. You must have the Daz plug-ins, for which you own licenses at least, as they are version specific - others are generally not, though making a back-up isn't a bad idea
Now, I'd like to ask, after 3Delight is discontinued in newer versions, if I decide to purchase newer items in the Shop, can I still use them in the 4.24 I currently use?
And how do I choose the Work Offline option in DIM?
At this point, I am considering copying the DIM Downloads folder to an external hard drive.
"work offline" is a checkbox in DIM login page.
I found it just before I read your reply. Thanks. :)
DS 4 is not expected to get any major updates, attention is now on DS 2025, so I doubt it will matter which you are using - but of course there may be content in future that requires DS 2025+ and won't work in any version of DS 4.
I am thinking the content that likely requires DS 2025+ and not DS 4, are likely plug-ins and maybe some scripts, but not items for figures such as clothing, props, poses and hair. Would that seem right?
Also, to clarify, Richard, is it a good idea for me to copy and paste my Downloads folder from the InstallManager folder to an external hard drive to free up space on my hard drive?
Yes, there's a good chance most props, as well as clothes, hair and poses for current figures would still work in DS4.24, unless Daz introduces a new feature or base shader or whatever in some version of DS2025 and the product relies on that.
Even in DS 4 there are things, mostly figure generations, thathave a minimum minor version (4.x) requirement and will not work properly in older versions - I would not be at all surpised if that happened at soem stage in DS 2025, though it has not generally stopped other content saved from a newer version opening in an older version.
Now, I'd like to ask, in case you didn't read the other part of my last post, is it a good idea for me to copy and paste the Downloads folder from the InstallManager folder onto an external hard drive as a backup and to clear hard drive space, and add those contents back to the InstallManager folder if I end up having to reinstall Windows 11 or buy a new computer?
It shouldn't be necessary, butg having back ups - even for things that should be available to redownload - is a good idea.
I have pretty much rebuilt my library, and as i post this I am backing up my entire library on two external hard drives.