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Restore procedure for guest files and folders protected by SnapCenter Plug-in for VMware

Contributors reno
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The following section shows how to restore guest files and folders from VMDKs.

Note SnapCenter supports file and folder restoration from VMDKs only when the guest operating system is Windows.

Considerations for guest file and folder restoration with SCV:

  • VMware tools must be running on the VM.

  • The attached VMDK is accessible for 24 hours by default.

  • Only one restore or attach operation can be performed on a virtual machine at a time.

  • System, hidden, and encrypted files can be restored; however, their original attributes will not be preserved.

  • Avoid restoring encrypted files to encrypted folders or overwriting system files.

Steps for the guest file and folder restoration:

  1. Right-click the target VM and select "NetApp SnapCenter > Guest File Restore".

    Figure representing the dialog for the above step

  2. Choose the backup containing the required VMDK. Specify the VMDK and its location (primary or secondary).

    Figure representing the dialog for the above step

  3. Choose "Disk Attachment Method".

    Figure representing the dialog for the above step

    • Guest VM Option: Attach the disk to the original VM (requires pre-configured credentials). This is the option used in this demonstration.

    • Proxy VM Option: Attach the disk to a designated proxy VM (must be configured in advance).

  4. Wait for the attach operation to finish before browsing and restoring files. Once the operation completes, SnapCenter automatically creates a guest file restore session.
    Figure representing the dialog for the above step

    Figure representing the dialog for the above step

  5. Browse to the VMDK in the Guest File Restore session, select the required files or folders, and restore them to the specified location.