subject: Properly Planning Your File Restoration [print this page] Properly Planning Your File Restoration Properly Planning Your File Restoration
You know the old adage: "failing to plan equals planning to fail." No one typically plans to fail, but many do, in fact, actually fail to plan. I've seen it many times. In a previous article, I covered the importance of backup restoration testing ("Critical Reasons to Test Your Backups"). In addition to testing your restoration, there are steps you should take to facilitate that process. If you're uncertain how to test your restoration, contact your network administrator or consultant. Knowing you can successfully restore your back is critical; knowing you can do it quickly will save you a lot of time and stress.
Once you know you can restore your files, you should also prepare a plan for completing a full recovery before you need it. Here are the steps you should take:
Create a spreadsheet with all of your software license information, and includeeverything from your operating system to your least expensive utility.You will need quick access to this information to get your computers or servers back up and running as fast as possible.
Document the location of all of your installation software. Remember you are only backing up data, not your programs. You should always maintain software license documentation.
Determine how long you can be without your server. That answer will indicate how many spare parts you need to have on-hand for repairs.
Test the restoration of your backups frequently. I recommend once per quarter or after you've made significant changes to your server environment.
By taking time now to build your restoration plan, you'll save a lot of headaches and stress when it comes time to actually restore your backup. And with all that can go wrong (hard drive crashes, viruses, human error), the question is not "if" you'll need to restore your backup, but rather it's "when you need to restore your backup."
