Restoring files on network file storage from Windows devices

Description

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) has scheduled nightly snapshots that occur on file shares hosted on the central Network Attached Storage (NAS). Individual users or IT administrators can use nightly snapshots to restore their files. 

Environment

PCs (Mac users should create a ticket requesting the recovery of files from network file storage. Please provide as much detail as possible about the data location and the date/time you believe the data was deleted from the system.)

Solution 

1. Navigate to your network folder using the file explorer.

2. Right-click a mapped drive or a sub-folder.

3. Select Restore Previous Versionsfrom the menu. 

   • You can navigate as deep into your folder structure as you need prior to selecting the folder's Restore Previous Versions.  This will get you closer to the original path of your lost data.  If you are unsure of the original location start with a folder higher up in the folder path.

4. When the new window opens, select the Previous Versionstab.

   • Note: At least one snapshot for the file or directory must exist for the Previous Versions tab to be visible. Each snapshot is time stamped with the date it was created.

5. From the list of folders, under Folder Versions, select a date/time prior to when you believe your file or folder was deleted (pick a date before but as close to the time of deletion).

6. Select Openor Restore:

   1. Open: Displays the folder from the date/time you selected but does not modify it. This is the recommended method of restoring content. It will allow you to browse the file structure of the snapshot in which you can find your lost data, copy it, and then paste it into a location of your choice.

   2. Restore: Use with extreme caution, as this option replaces all data for a folder. It uses the selected file or directory to replace the corresponding file or directory. A dialog box appears to confirm or cancel the operation.

Outcome: You should now be able to restore your files from the NAS using nightly snapshots.

Get help from OIT

• Visit the Network File Storage (Personal and Shared) page to create a ticket