Dynamics CRM - Backup, Restore & Publish Customizations Programmatically
Here is a simple class you can use to backup, restore and publish dynamics crm customizations programmatically. Please keep in mind that dynamics crm customizations are additive, which means, if you import a set of customizations lets say a new attribute on the account entity and you restore a backup of the old customizations the new attribute on the account entity that was imported will not be deleted.
Usage
CrmCustomizations customizations = new CrmCustomizations(service);
You can backup to an xml file or a zip file by calling the Backup method. Backup method takes care of creating the xml or zip file by looking at the output file extension.
bool backedup = customizations.Backup(@".\customizations_backup.xml");
// or to a zip file
backedup = customizations.Backup(@".\customizations_backup.zip");
To restore a backup call the Restore method. You can pass it a .zip file or a .xml file path.
bool restored = customizations.Restore(@".\customizations.xml");
Once you have restored you need to publish the customizations, to publish call the Publish method. It will publish all customizations.
bool published = customizations.Publish();
Download the class file
Enjoy!