## Importing Data into BinNavi

Out of the box there are three different ways to get data from external disassemblers into a BinNavi database. The recommended way is to use IDA Pro in combination with either our IDA exporter plugin or our IDA Python script. This section assumes that all required software that is mentioned in the Installation section of this manual was installed and configured according to the guidelines.

### Importing data from IDA Pro

To import data from IDA Pro it is not even necessary to open IDA Pro. If you have already created the IDA database (IDB) file you want to import, you can simply right-click on a Database node or a Module node in the Project Tree in the BinNavi main window. In the context menu that pops up, click Import IDB File and select the appropriate IDB file in the file selection dialog that is shown. Once selected, BinNavi begins to import the IDB file to the database. If your version of IDA Pro was not installed to the default IDA Pro directory, BinNavi will ask you for the location of your IDA Pro executable before.

Note that it is not possible to import IDB files which are currently open in IDA. Please make sure to close all instances of IDA which are currently working with the IDB file before starting the import process.

The importer window offers several other options. For example, you can choose between the C++ based exporter and the Python based exporter. You can also select from a list of directories from which you previously exported IDB files. This helps you quickly navigate between your IDB directories. On the right side of the window you can select multiple IDB files for batch imports.

If you are importing data on Windows Vista or Windows 7 you can run into problems with the virtual store. When you create an IDB file in a directory you are not allowed to write to, Windows places the IDB file in the virtual store of that directory. In Windows Explorer and other programs this is completely transparent. In the Java file selection dialog, the virtual store is not considered though. If you can not select your IDB file in the BinNavi file selection dialog, copy the IDB file from the virtual store to a directory you have real write-access to and import the data from there.

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