TSM for Windows - Restore Files and Folders

IS&T no longer supports this version of this product. This page is no longer being updated or maintained. It is provided 'as is' for informational purposes only.

Use the TSM Restore facility to obtain a copy of a backed up file from the TSM server

If you are restoring after a system compromise or crash, see the tips at the end of this article.

1. On the TSM main window, select Restore.
   Result: The Restore window appears, showing file sizes and critical dates, including the date the file was last backed up. See the illustration below.
2. Identify files or folders for restoral: Start at File Level, and use the + icons to view the contents of folders.
   
   Notes on the TSM Restore window
   • If you highlight a folder, the files it contains appear in the right section of the Restore window.
   • The file names in the right section do not change until you highlight another folder on the left.
   • Files are listed by name, but you can sort them by size or date by clicking on the desired column heading.
   • Keep in mind that highlighting a file or folder will not result in its being restored.
3. Click the checkbox by each file or folder that you want to restore, then click Restore.
   Result: The "Select destination for restored objects" window appears.
   
   
4. Decide where you want to restore the files:
   • Original location: If you choose to restore a file to its original location and a version of the file exists there, you are asked whether you want to replace an existing version with the restored version.
   • Following location: If you prefer to restore the files to a different location, click Following location, then select a location using the Select button.
5. If you choose to restore a file to its original location and a version of the file exists there, you are asked whether you want to replace an existing version with the restored version.
6. Click Restore again.
   Result: The Task List window displays, showing the number of files inspected and the names of files being restored.
   
   
   • Stop: Stop a restore. A slight delay occurs before the restore stops.
     Report: Open the Detailed Status Report window – view elapsed time, data transfer rates, number of files restored.
     
     If you want to check both the Task List and Status Report windows at once, increase the size of the main TSM window and drag the Status Report window to the right until the Task List window becomes visible.
   • Collapse: Toggle to hide or reveal the names of files being restored and the progress bar for individual file restoral. The expanded area is blank until a file is being restored to your computer from the TSM server.
7. When the restoral completes and a confirmation message appears, click OK.
   Note: Do not leave the machine unattended for long periods during a restore. User interaction may be required, and the process may abort if no response is made within a certain time.

Restoring after a System Compromise or Crash

You'll need to do the following:

1. Reinstall your operating system, obtain a browser and certificates.
2. Obtain virus protection software and system patches as needed, and scan your machine.
3. Download and install TSM, then check that the TSM Scheduler is temporarily stopped.
4. Restore all data files that are important for your work, such as documents, spreadsheets, email, database files, etc. as soon as possible before doing a new backup. The reason is that a backup puts all files not yet restored in the inactive or "deleted" categories, and theseunrestored files will be discarded in 30 days.
   Note: You do not need to restore system files or program files, since they can be reinstalled from the originalinstallers.

Contact the Service Desk for more advice on the restoration process.