Restore a File from Backup

Making backups is all fine and dandy, but you probably also want to actually know how to use the backup in the event that you need to restore data.

Fortunately, it's a very easy operation, and one that gives you a couple of options. For example, you can restore the entire backup, or just select a file or two from the backup job. Also, you can choose to restore to the backed up files to their original location, or to any other location of your choosing.

Essentially, there are four steps to the restore operation:

• Choose the backup file you want to restore.
  
  
• Choose the individual files from within the backup.
  
  
• Designate the location of the restore.
  
  
• Select any applicable restore options.
  
  

For example, let's say you've backed up some of your favorite music files, and now it seems that a few of the song files have become corrupted. Assuming the backup has been successful, you can restore just the corrupted files. Here's what you'll do:

1.	Launch the Backup Utility and switch to Advanced mode. (You can run through the Restore Wizard, but the difference is negligible.) Any backup jobs that have been created by the Backup Utility will be listed in the left side of the Restore and Manage Media tab.
2.	The backup job will retain the directory structure of the original files. With a series of clicks (on either the directory names or the expand/collapse buttons), navigate to the individual files you want to restore.
3.	Make your file restore selections with a click in the appropriate check box, as shown in Figure 13-10. Figure 13-10. Restoring just a few files with the Backup Utility.
4.	Now, set the restore options with the "Restore Files To:" drop-down menu.

The default restore location is the original location. If you select either of the other two options, you will then be prompted to "Browse for the Alternate Location" for the restore.

You can also select additional restore options by using the Tools menu and choosing Options. You have three choices here. The default is that backed up files will not replace existing files. You usually don't want the backup to overwrite an existing file, as the backup is often an older version, and you risk losing any recent changes.

Once you've finalized your selections, click the Start Restore button to begin the restore operation.