How to Reload Back Up Files After Restoration

A safe practice when using a computer is to maintain a separate backup of important files and contents in case of hardware failure, data loss or accidental deletion of important items. Computers running Microsoft Windows operating systems have access to a useful tool to create a backup copy of files. The same tool allows backup files to be restored to a computer.

Instructions

1. Open the "Start" menu and select the "Control Panel". Click the first icon labeled "System and Maintenance". Choose the "Backup and Restore Center".

2. Locate the "Restore Files or your entire computer" section. Select the "Advance restore" option.

3. Choose the option that best fits your needs. Files can be restored individually or through the advanced option. The advanced option is best if the backup was created on another computer.

4. Choose the appropriate option from the menu that appears. From the advanced menu, the options are to restore from the latest created backup, an older backup or a backup created on another computer.

5. Click the "Add files" button to select individual files to restore. Click the "Add folder" button to select entire folders. If you need to restore the entire backup, check the box at the top of the prompt.

6. Choose where you would like the files saved. If you created the backup on the current computer, choose to save in the original location unless you would like to restore the backup files to another folder.

Tips & Warnings

• It's always best to save backups to a separate internal or external hard drive so you don't lose files if your main hard drive fails.

References

• File Backup and Resource Center

Resources

• Windows Support Center