Recovering accidentally deleted files from backups is a critical task that should be approached systematically to ensure data integrity. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Assess the Situation
Confirm Deletion: Double-check if the files were truly deleted or just moved to another location.
Identify Backup Source: Determine which backup system or solution was used (e.g., local storage, cloud, tape backups, or snapshot-based backups).
2. Check Backup Retention Policies
Review the backup retention policies to ensure the deleted files are still within the retention window.
Confirm the date and time of the last successful backup that contains the files.
3. Locate the Backup
Centralized Backup System: Log in to your backup software or solution (e.g., Veeam, Commvault, NetBackup).
File-Level Recovery: Check if the backup system supports file-level recovery.
Snapshots: If you use technologies like VMware snapshots, SAN snapshots, or Kubernetes persistent volume snapshots, locate the relevant snapshot.
4. Perform the Recovery
From Backup Software:
Search for the deleted files within the backup catalog or management interface.
Select the desired recovery point (specific date/time).
Initiate the recovery process, specifying the target location (e.g., original location or an alternate folder).
From Snapshot:
Mount the snapshot or create a clone to access the files.
Copy the required files back to the production environment.
From Tape:
Identify the tape containing the relevant backup.
Load the tape into the tape library or drive.
Use the tape management software to restore the files.
From Cloud Backup:
Access the cloud provider’s recovery interface.
Locate the files and download them or restore them directly to the original location.
5. Validate the Recovery
Once the files are restored, verify their integrity by opening or testing them.
Ensure permissions are correctly set if the files were restored to their original location.
6. Document the Process
Document the steps taken, including timestamps, tools used, and recovery results, for audit and troubleshooting purposes.
Update your incident log or IT service management (ITSM) platform (e.g., ServiceNow or Jira).
7. Prevent Future Issues
Review Backup Policies: Ensure critical files are backed up more frequently.
Enable Alerts: Set up monitoring for file deletions or changes.
User Training: Educate users about proper file management and accidental deletion prevention.
