> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.inels.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.inels.com/inels-bus/inels-design-manager-idm3/idm3-files-and-folders.md).

# Appendix F — Files and folders

*Where iDM3 keeps everything, and what is safe to touch.*

***

## Install location

By default, inside your user profile — **no administrator rights needed**:

```
%USERPROFILE%\ELKO EP\iNELS BUS System\iNELS3 03.05.03 Designer & Manager for CU3-07M
```

> **The folder name still says "for CU3-07M".** Historical naming — this version supports CU3-08M, CU3-09M and CU3-10M as well, and CU3-07M is obsolete. See [Chapter 3](/inels-bus/inels-design-manager-idm3/installing-idm3-and-first-run.md).

***

## What is in there

| Item                         | Contents                                          | Safe to touch?              |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| `IDM3.exe`                   | The program                                       | Don't                       |
| `IDM3.SuperUser.cmd`         | Launches super-user mode                          | Only when support asks      |
| **`Projects\`**              | **Your `.elp` project files**                     | **Back this up**            |
| **`funcBloks\`**             | Function block templates (`.fncb`)                | **Back this up**            |
| `Firmwares\`                 | \~170 firmware packages                           | Don't                       |
| `Documentation\`             | Installation manual, change log, firmware history | Read freely                 |
| `Languages\`                 | Interface translations (`.lang`)                  | Don't                       |
| `Images\`, `gallery\`        | Icons and floor-plan images                       | `gallery` holds your images |
| `web\`                       | Web content                                       | Don't                       |
| `_updater\`                  | Update mechanism                                  | Don't                       |
| `ELKODefaultProject\`        | The factory default project                       | Don't                       |
| `storage\`, `spool\`, `TMP\` | Working folders iDM3 manages itself               | **Leave alone**             |
| `default.elp`                | Factory default                                   | Don't                       |
| `userDefault.elp`            | **Your** saved default                            | Yours                       |
| `UserSett.hdb`               | Your settings — **survives reinstalls**           | Yours                       |
| `IDM.config`                 | Program configuration                             | Don't                       |
| `News.hdb`                   | News                                              | Don't                       |
| `cmp.exe`                    | The project compiler                              | Don't                       |
| `firmDepends.xml`            | Firmware dependencies                             | Don't                       |
| `elkoep.ico`                 | Application icon                                  | —                           |

***

## Log files

In the install folder. **Attach these when contacting support.**

| File               | Contents                                                 |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| `IDM.log`          | General application log                                  |
| `comunication.log` | Communication with the central unit *(spelled that way)* |
| `monitoring.log`   | Monitoring activity                                      |
| `monitorData.log`  | Monitored data                                           |
| `Exception.excp`   | The last unhandled exception                             |

***

## Inside a project file

An `.elp` is a **ZIP archive of XML files**. You never need to open it this way, but it explains why `.elp` files compress well and why a damaged archive loses everything rather than part.

| File inside          | Holds                                                  |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| `project.xml`        | Floors, users, gallery, version, encryption flag       |
| `projectInfo.xml`    | Version and structure version                          |
| `config.xml`         | Project configuration                                  |
| `cuSettings.xml`     | Central unit settings                                  |
| `functions.xml`      | User functions — **61 of them in the default project** |
| `wires.xml`          | Wires                                                  |
| `groups.xml`         | Groups                                                 |
| `macros.xml`         | Macros                                                 |
| `programs.xml`       | Time programs                                          |
| `system-devices.xml` | Timers, counters, system bits and integers             |
| `persons.xml`        | People                                                 |
| `contacts.xml`       | Phone numbers                                          |
| `DT_Notices.xml`     | Notices                                                |
| `DT_funcBlocks`      | Function blocks used                                   |
| `RT_Relations`       | Relations                                              |

***

## Windows registry

`HKCU\Software\ELKO EP\iDM3`

| Value        | Contents             |
| ------------ | -------------------- |
| `InstallDir` | Install location     |
| `Version`    | Version and revision |

Plus an uninstall entry under `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\iDM3`.

***

## What survives an uninstall

The uninstaller deliberately leaves:

* `Projects\` — your projects
* `funcBloks\` — your function block templates
* `gallery\`, `web\`, `_updater\`
* `UserSett.hdb` — your settings

**Copy your projects out before deleting the folder by hand.**

***

## What to back up

| Priority | What               | Why                                |
| -------- | ------------------ | ---------------------------------- |
| **1**    | `Projects\*.elp`   | Irreplaceable                      |
| **2**    | `funcBloks\*.fncb` | **Not** stored in the project file |
| 3        | `userDefault.elp`  | Your company standard              |
| 4        | `UserSett.hdb`     | Convenience                        |

> **Priority 2 catches people out.** A project using custom function blocks is incomplete without the templates, and they live outside the `.elp`. Either back the folder up, or turn on **Settings** → **Save function blocks templates to project file**.

***

**See also:** [Chapter 3 — Install iDM3](/inels-bus/inels-design-manager-idm3/installing-idm3-and-first-run.md) · [Chapter 15 — Projects and files](/inels-bus/inels-design-manager-idm3/idm3-projects-and-files.md)