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Restore files from a file or a tape

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To restore files from a file or a tape

  1. Open Backup.

    The Backup or Restore Wizard starts by default, unless it is disabled.

  2. Click the Advanced Mode link on the Backup or Restore Wizard.

  3. Click the Restore and Manage Media tab, select the files and folders you want to restore by clicking the box to the left of a file or folder.

  4. In Restore files to, do one of the following:

    • Click Original location if you want the backed up files and folders to be restored to the folder or folders they were in when they were backed up. Skip to step 6.

    • Click Alternate location if you want the backed up files and folders to be restored to a folder that you designate. This option will preserve the folder structure of the backed up data; all folders and subfolders will appear in the alternate folder you designate.

    • Click Single folder if you want the backed up files and folders to be restored to a folder that you designate. This option will not preserve the folder structure of the backed up data; the files will appear only in the folder that you designate.

  5. If you selected Alternate location or Single folder, type a path for the folder under Alternate location, or click the Browse button to find the folder.

  6. On the Tools menu, click Options, click the Restore tab, and then do one of the following:

    • Click Do not replace the file on my computer if you do not want the restore operation to copy over files that are already on your hard disk.

    • Click Replace the file on disk only if the file on disk is older if you want the restore operation to replace older files on your disk with newer files from your backup.

    • Click Always replace the file on my computer if you want the restore operation to replace files on your disk regardless of whether the backup files are newer or older.

    • Click OK to accept the restore options you have set.

  7. Click Start Restore.

  8. If you want to change any of the advanced restore options, such as restoring security settings and junction point data, click Advanced. When you are done setting advanced restore options click OK.

  9. Click OK to start the restore operation.

Caution

  • Choosing Always replace the file on my computer might cause you to lose data if a file you are working on is contained in the backup.

  • You can use Backup to back up and restore data on FAT16, FAT32, or NTFS volumes. However, if you have backed up data from an NTFS volume, it is recommended that you restore the data to an NTFS volume of the same version to prevent losing data. Some file systems might not support all of the features of other file systems.

Notes

  • To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security best practice, consider using Run as to perform this procedure.

  • To start Backup, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup.

  • You can also use the Restore Wizard to restore files by clicking Restore Wizard on the Tools menu.

  • To back up and restore Microsoft SQL Server database files, it is recommended that you use the built-in backup and restore utilities in SQL. For more information, see the Microsoft SQL Server documentation.

  • To restore the System State data on a domain controller, you must first start your computer in Directory Services Restore Mode. This will allow you to restore the SYSVOL directory and the Active Directory directory service database.

  • You can only restore the System State data on a local computer. You cannot restore the System State data on a remote computer.

  • Backup operators and administrators can back up and restore encrypted files and folders without decrypting the files or folders.

Information about functional differences

  • Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.

See Also

Concepts

Set advanced restore options
Checklist: Restoring data
Update a catalog
Identify members of a local group