https://login.veeam.com/en/oauth?client_id=nXojRrypJ8&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.veeam.com%2Fservices%2Fauthentication%2Fredirect_url&response_type=code&scope=profile&state=eyJmaW5hbFJlZGlyZWN0TG9jYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy52ZWVhbS5jb20va2IxNDU5IiwiaGFzaCI6IjZhOTJmY2JjLTIwZmItNDJlNS1iMzdmLTA0MDc5NzVkNjc0ZSJ9
How to restore individual files when FLR fails
Challenge
For whatever reason, both Windows File Level Restore and OtherOS File Level Restore fail for unusual or unresolvable reasons. This article explains how to restore individual files by means of Instant Recovery.
Solution
To restore the files:
-
Launch Instant Recovery of the Virtual Machine you need to retrieve files from making sure to use “Restore to a new location” and leaving the "Connect VM to network" option disabled. See Performing Instant VM Recovery.
Note: You will need to rename the Virtual Machine when performing the Instant Recovery. It is suggested to add a suffix, such as "_restored", etc. - Once the Instant Recovery is finished, in VMware vSphere Client, create a new virtual disk for the VM. The disk should be created on a different, production datastore instead of with the VM as the VM is running on the Veeam NFS mount. The disk needs to be large enough to contain only the files you wish to restore
- Use the VMware console to log in to the recovered VM’s guest operating system. As this is not on the network, you will need to use local credentials or cached credentials.
- Initialize and format the disk as you would any other disk in that operating system.
- Transfer the data you want to restore to that disk.
-
In the vSphere client, note the name and location of the disk, then remove it from the instant recovered VM.
Note: After this step, you can stop publishing the Instant Recovery at any time.
- Attach that disk to the machine in Production that needs these files.
More information
This method can be used to restore any files from any file system, which helps bypass limitations of Windows FLR and multi-OS FLR.
Instant Recovery for VMware does not require pre-allocating disk space on any datastore. The vPower directory specified in the repository settings is presented directly to the ESXi host as an NFS datastore. Instant recovery can usually be accomplished in a matter of minutes, but recovery of large VMs from deduplicating storage can sometimes take over an hour.
Instant Recovery can also be used to recover files in Hyper-V. However, Instant Recovery for Hyper-V will pre-allocate the entire size of the virtual disks.
Instant Recovery for VMware does not require pre-allocating disk space on any datastore. The vPower directory specified in the repository settings is presented directly to the ESXi host as an NFS datastore. Instant recovery can usually be accomplished in a matter of minutes, but recovery of large VMs from deduplicating storage can sometimes take over an hour.
Instant Recovery can also be used to recover files in Hyper-V. However, Instant Recovery for Hyper-V will pre-allocate the entire size of the virtual disks.
KB ID:
1459
Product:
Veeam Backup & Replication
Version:
5.x, 6.x, 7.x
Published:
2011-12-20
Last Modified:
2020-08-13
Couldn't find what you were looking for?
Below you can submit an idea for a new knowledge base article.
Report a typo on this page:
Please select a spelling error or a typo on this page with your mouse and press CTRL + Enter to report this mistake to us. Thank you!
Please select a spelling error or a typo on this page with your mouse and press CTRL + Enter to report this mistake to us. Thank you!
Spelling error in text
Knowledge base content request
How can we assist you today?
How can we assist you today?
Happy Holidays!
Chat is offline now. Please fill out the form and we will call you back.
Technical
General and Licensing
Renewal
Sales
Partnership
Do you have an issue or need post-sales technical assistance?
*if you need help choosing the right product, please select "Sales" chat
Do you need guidance on the website, upgrade hints or help with your licenses/accounts?
Questions regarding your Veeam contract renewal? Contact us and learn how you can maximize your savings
Do you need additional license, pricing details, product information or have any other sales-related question?
Would you like to become our partner or do you need assistance as our existing partner?
Start chat
We apologize, but this chat is not available at the moment
Start chat
We apologize, but this chat is not available at the moment
Start chat
We apologize, but this chat is not available at the moment
Start chat
We apologize, but this chat is not available at the moment
Privacy Notice. By submitting, you agree that your personal data will be managed by Veeam in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
Back
Thank you for your request!
Veeam representative will get back to you shortly.
Stay up to date with Veeam product updates, latest news, and recent content.
By subscribing, you agree to receive communications about Veeam products, services, and events. Your personal data will be managed by Veeam in accordance with the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.