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How can I restore my OS and applications?

Overview

If you have followed our instructions for backing up your OS and applications you will be able to recover quickly if your computer crashes. In summary, to recover your entire system you will (1) reinstall windows (2) download your system state backup file and program files (3) download your windows system files (4) restore your system state and reboot (5) download your data files. The order in which you follow these steps is very important. If you have questions about your particular scenario please contact technical support.

Instructions

Reinstall Windows

We currently require a working copy of windows in order to restore data. (In other words, we currently do not support bare metal recovery at this time. However, we are working towards having an integrated bare metal recovery solution.) So you should first use your windows installation CD or OS recovery CD (provided by your computer manufacturer) to install a clean and working copy of windows.

You do not need to install other applications or optional components. You only need a working copy of windows that is able to connect to the Internet.

Download System State and Program Files

1. Download and install the backup software.
2. Important: Exit the backup manager using the File menu, exit command.
3. Start the file manager from the start menu.
4. Login and choose to restore files.
5. Locate and check the folder with the system state data (should be a file that ends in .bkf). Locate and check the folder containing your program files. Click Next.
6. Select Original locations and Most recent data (advanced users may choose to select historical data). Click Next.
7. Choose to move existing files to a folder (specify an empty folder). Click Next.
8. Wait for it to download the list of files. Once finished, click Next to begin restoring data.
9. Wait for the data to download. When it has finished, click Exit.

Download Windows System Files

1. Start the file manager from the start menu.
2. Login and choose to restore files.
3. Locate and check the folder with the windows system files (probably named windows). Click Next.
4. Select Within this folder and browse to find your windows folder. Select Most recent data (advanced users may choose to select historical data). Click Next.
5. Choose to skip existing files without asking. Click Next.
6. Wait for it to download the list of files. Once finished, click Next to begin restoring data.
7. Wait for the data to download. When it has finished, click Exit.

Restore your System State

1. Start. Programs. Accessories. System Tools. Backup
2. Click Advanced Mode. Click the Welcome tab. Click Restore Wizard (Advanced). Click Next.
3. Click Browse and find the .bkf file you just downloaded. Click OK.
4. In the listbox on the left, find the .bkf file, and click the + to expand the fileset. Check all of the items. Click Next.
5. Follow the wizard to restore your data and reboot. For more information, see here and here.
6. Reboot your computer

Download Data Files

1. Start the file manager from the start menu.
2. Login and choose to restore files.
3. Check all folders which you did not restore previously and click Next.
4. Select Original locations and Most recent data (advanced users may choose to select historical data). Click Next.
5. Choose to move existing files to a folder (specify an empty folder). Click Next.
6. Wait for it to download the list of files. Once finished, click Next to begin restoring data.
7. Wait for the data to download. When it has finished, click Exit.

Your operating system, applications, and data should now be completely restored.