# Saving PYNQ on SD card Question

**URL:** <https://discuss.pynq.io/t/saving-pynq-on-sd-card-question/1550>\
**Category:** Support\
**Created:** [July 23, 2020, 5:22pm UTC](https://discuss.pynq.io/t/saving-pynq-on-sd-card-question/1550 "2020-07-23T17:22:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Reedom](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.pynq.io/reedom/32/966_2.png) [@Reedom](https://discuss.pynq.io/u/Reedom)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2020, 5:22pm UTC](https://discuss.pynq.io/t/saving-pynq-on-sd-card-question/1550/1 "2020-07-23T17:22:23Z")

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Hi,

So I understand that I can utilize the Win32DiskImager to save the PYNQ image onto an SD card. I also understand that it erases whatever is on the SD card before it saves PYNQ on the SD card.  
I was curious whether there was a process to do this without losing files that were already on the SD card. Does anyone know how I can do this?

Appreciate the help!

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**Author:** ![cathalmccabe](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.pynq.io/cathalmccabe/32/3348_2.png) [@cathalmccabe](https://discuss.pynq.io/u/cathalmccabe)\
**Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 8:16am UTC](https://discuss.pynq.io/t/saving-pynq-on-sd-card-question/1550/2 "2020-07-24T08:16:33Z")

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No. Imaging the SD card writes a full bootable image onto the card. Think about this like installing Windows, or Linux to a new drive (although this copies the PYNQ image rather than installing it).

What files are you trying to retain? If you are restoring or writing a new image, and you want to retain files from your home area, I’d suggest you back them up before imaging, and restore them after.

Cathal

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**Author:** ![Reedom](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.pynq.io/reedom/32/966_2.png) [@Reedom](https://discuss.pynq.io/u/Reedom)\
**Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 4:16pm UTC](https://discuss.pynq.io/t/saving-pynq-on-sd-card-question/1550/3 "2020-07-24T16:16:43Z")

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Hi Cathal,

So I was experimenting with running PYNQ alongside a RTOS. The SD card has another RTOS image on it, which I was planning to boot as well alongside PYNQ.

Yes, I was thinking of doing the same. Uploading PYNQ onto the SD card, after backing up the RTOS boot files, and then putting those files on the SD card after.  
I am new to all of this in general, but thought it was worth a try.  
Appreciate you getting back to me.

Reedom