This article explains how to manually replace the hosted SA-SAMS database in Citrix Workspace with a database exported from d6. It is intended for school administrators and d6 support agents working with Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) schools on Citrix Workspace. Follow these steps carefully to avoid accidental data loss.

My School > d6 Initiatives > Compliance: Export to SA-SAMS Database

What is Citrix Workspace for GDE schools?

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is migrating certain schools to Citrix Workspace — a hosted, online remote login environment. Citrix Workspace facilitates the SA-SAMS installation and database for the school remotely, including access to the Valistractor tool used for DBE DDD 2.0 submissions. When SA-SAMS is deployed in Module 17, the database is automatically placed in the correct district sub-folder where it can be monitored, and signed deployment and Valistractor sign-off reports are emailed to the District.

What do I need before starting?

• A d6-exported SA-SAMS database: Export the database from d6 and download the zip file to a known location on your local C drive (e.g. C:\Downloads\SA-SAMS Database Name).

• Citrix Workspace access: Ensure you can connect to Citrix Workspace and open SA-SAMS.

• Explorer access in Citrix: You will need to navigate between local and hosted drives using Windows Explorer within the Citrix session.

How do I replace the Citrix SA-SAMS database with a d6 export?

Follow these steps to rename the existing hosted database and replace it with the exported d6 SA-SAMS database.

Step 1 — Export and prepare the database

1. Export an SA-SAMS database from d6 via My School > Compliance > Export to SA-SAMS Database.

2. Click Export to new SA-SAMS Database, select prompts under each tab for type of export. 
   

3. Then select Continue

4. Download the zip file to your local machine.
   

5. Extract the zip file to a known location on your C drive, for example: C:\Downloads\SA-SAMS Database Name.

Step 2 — Connect to Citrix and locate the hosted database

1. Connect to Citrix Workspace.

2. Open SA-SAMS.

3. Before opening a database, click on Database Functions.

4. Double-click on the database folder to expand it.

5. Click on Click to Open Folder in Explorer, then press F5 to refresh the folder view.

6. Locate the MDB database file in the Explorer window.

Step 3 — Rename the existing database as a backup

1. Right-click the MDB file and copy its original name.

2. Rename the file to include the current date as a reference, for example: Backup20260122.mdb.

Step 4 — Copy and paste the exported database

1. In the same Explorer window, navigate to the mapped local C drive (labelled something like C on User's laptop) or a network drive such as P:.

2. Go to the location where you extracted the database in Step 1 (e.g. C:\Downloads\SA-SAMS Database Name).

3. Rename the downloaded MDB file to match the original name you copied in Step 3.

4. Right-click the renamed file and select Copy.

5. Use the Back button in Explorer to return to the online hosted database folder (where you were in Step 2).

6. Paste the file — it should paste without prompting to replace, since the original was renamed in Step 3.

Step 5 — Finalise and log in

1. Close Explorer.

2. Click Done in SA-SAMS and log in normally.

How do I revert to the previous database?

If you need to restore the original database, rename the current MDB file and then rename the backup (e.g. Backup20260122.mdb) back to the original database name. Note that Citrix Workspace may not immediately display a renamed file's new name — press F5 to refresh the folder view.

Important notes

• Always rename — never delete: Renaming the existing database before pasting the new one creates a recoverable backup. Deleting it risks permanent data loss at the department level.

• Folder refresh: Citrix Workspace may not display a renamed file's updated name until the folder is refreshed. Press F5 after any rename action.

• Drive mapping: The local C drive may appear under a different label in Citrix Explorer (e.g. C on User's laptop). Network drives such as P: may also be used depending on your school's setup.

• Testing before rollout: This process was tested successfully in an online session on 19 February 2026. Confirm with your district office before replacing the database for the first time.

Frequently asked questions

What is Citrix Workspace and why are GDE schools using it?

Citrix Workspace is a hosted, online remote login environment that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is using to manage SA-SAMS installations and databases for certain schools. It also provides access to the Valistractor tool for DBE DDD 2.0 submissions, with deployment reports automatically sent to the district.

What happens if I forget to rename the existing database before pasting the new one?

If the existing database is not renamed first, you risk overwriting it permanently. Always rename the hosted database to a date-stamped name (e.g. Backup20260122.mdb) before pasting the new file. This ensures you can revert if anything goes wrong.

Why can't I see the renamed file in Citrix Workspace Explorer?

Citrix Workspace may not immediately reflect file renames in Explorer. Press F5 to refresh the folder view after any rename or paste action.

Where do I find the local drive in Citrix to navigate to the exported database?

Within the Citrix Explorer session, your local C drive typically appears with a label such as C on User's laptop. Depending on your school's network setup, the exported database may also be accessible on a mapped network drive such as P:.

Can this process be automated?

Automating this process is on the roadmap. In the interim, these manual steps are required. Contact your d6 support agent if you need assistance or if you are the first school in your district to complete this process.