Restore Strategies

Once data files are lost or corrupted, they need to be copied from the backup media to the source location so that the data can be accessed again. Just copying files from the backup media to the source location is not the means by which to restore all files or even some files of a backup. Because some files are part of the operating system and also part of programs, special care must be given to the restore so that the operating system or program can function again. Depending on the type of backup performed and the files to be restored, the restore process varies.

Restoring from a Full Backup

When a full backup is performed every night, a full restore can be done to recover from a complete loss of data. If a whole system must be replicated, a full backup should be done on the source system and a full restore done on the target system. If the system crashes the day after a full backup, a full restore has to be done to bring the system back to its original state. Doing a full restore involves taking all files backed up during a full backup and copying them back to the original system or another system. In most cases, this also involves restoring the operating system.