Restore Backup User and System Files

Information

This will show you how to restore backup user and system files and folders in Windows 7.

NOTE

Backups are saved in this format: (backup location)\(computer name)\Backup Set (year-month-day) (time) For example, if your computer name is Computer, your backup location is on Hard Disk (network or local) D: , and you backed up on 9/7/2007 at 1:00:50 PM (It uses 24 hour time), then that backup would be located in D:\Computer\Backup Set 2007-09-07 130050 .

• How to Backup User and System Files in Windows 7
• How to Turn the Windows 7 Backup Files Schedule On or Off
• How to Delete Windows 7 User and System Backup Files
• How to Reset the Backup Files Configuration in Windows 7
• How to Do a System Image Recovery in Windows 7
• How to Enable or Disable to Backup Data Files in Windows 7

1. Open the Control Panel (All Items View).

2. Click on the Backup and Restore icon.

3. Click on Restore files button or Restore all users' files link. (See screenshot below)

4. You will not see the Restore Files window. (See screenshot below)

5. To Restore Files from Another Backup Location -

A) Click on the Restore files from another location link. (See screenshot above)

B) If you want to add a network backup location, then click on the Browse network location. (See screenshot below)

• Browse to and select a network backup location, then click on OK. (See screenshot below)

C) Select (highlight) an available Backup Period listed, and click on the Next button.. (See screenshot below step 5A)

6. To Add a Backup File to be Restored -

A) Click on the Browse for files button. (See screenshot below step 4)

B) Navigate to and select the backup file that you want to restore from inside the backup location, then click on the Add button. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: This will add the backup file to the list of files and folders to be restored (step 8).

C) If you would like to add another backup file to be restored, then repeat steps 6A and 6B.

7. To Add a Backup Folder to be Restored -

A) Click on the Browse for folders button. (See screenshot below step 4)

B) Navigate to and select the backup folder that you want to restore from inside the backup location, then click on the Add button. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: This will add the backup folder to the list of files and folders to be restored (step 8). All contents in the backup folder will be restored as well.

C) If you would like to add another backup folder to be restored, then repeat steps 7A and 7B.

8. To Restore the Current Backup Version -
NOTE: This will restore the selected files and folders using the latest (most current) backup version.

A) Click on the Next button. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: This example has both a file and folder added to the selected files and folders restore list.

B) Go to step 10.

9. To Restore from a Older Backup Version -
NOTE: This will allow you to select to restore the selected files and folders using a older available backup version of your choice.

A) Check the Restore an older version of the selected files box, then click on the Next button. (See screenshot below step 8A)

B) Select (highlight) another backup version that is available, and click on the Next button. (See screenshots below)

10. Select (dot) where you want to restore the backup files to, and click on the Restore button. (See screenshot below)

• In the original location - Restores the selected backup files and folders to their original location on the computer.
• In the following location - Allows you to restore the selected backup files and folders to a location of your choice instead. You have the choice of restoring the backup with it's subfolders and files or only the files in the backup to the selected location.

11. You will now see this window. (See screenshot below)

12. If you have existing copies of the selected backup files and folders at the restore location you have selected, then click on the Copy and Replace option. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: You will not see this pop-up if you do not have existing copies of the selected backup files and folders at the restore location.

13. When it is finished restoring the backup, click on the Finish button. (See screenshot below)

14. Close the Backup and Restore window when done. (See screenshot below step 3)