HowyGuardHow do I test my backups?
Pick three files you use, restore them from your backup into a new folder, and open each one to check it looks right. Write down the date, what you restored and whether it worked. Do it at least once a year, or as often as your form asks, and keep the notes in one file as proof.
A restore test means pulling files back out of your backup and checking they open.
Check if you already have it
You're done if you have a dated note of a restore test from the last year, or from within the schedule your form asks about.
How to set it up
For any kind of backup:
Test a restore from your backup
Any setup, needs access to your backup
- Open your backup, whether that's a drive, a backup service or an export.
- Pick three files you rely on, from different places, including one email if your backup has email.
- Restore them to a new folder, not over the current copies.
- Open each one and check it looks right.
- Write down the date and what you restored.
- Put next year's test in your calendar.
How to show it's true: Keep the dated note, for example in a file called Backup tests.
- You can't find where the backup lives: that's the most useful thing this test can tell you. A tech can track it down.
From File History on Windows:
Test a restore from File History
Windows, needs your backup drive
- Plug in your backup drive.
- Open Control Panel, then System and Security, then File History, and click Restore personal files.
- Pick three files you use often, from different folders.
- Click the gear icon in the top right, choose Restore to, and pick a new empty folder, so nothing current is overwritten.
- Open each restored file and check it looks right.
- Write down the date and the files you tested. Eject and unplug the drive.
How to show it's true: Keep the dated note, for example in a file called Backup tests.
- The files you want aren't in the backup: File History only backs up certain folders. Add the folder under Advanced settings and run a backup again.
From Time Machine on a Mac:
Test a restore from Time Machine
Mac, needs your backup drive
- Plug in your Time Machine drive.
- Open a Finder window on a folder you use often.
- From the Time Machine menu in the menu bar, choose Browse Time Machine Backups.
- Go back a week or two, select three files, and click Restore. Time Machine asks before replacing anything.
- Open each restored file and check it looks right.
- Write down the date and the files you tested. Eject and unplug the drive.
How to show it's true: Keep the dated note, for example in a file called Backup tests.
- Browse Time Machine Backups is greyed out: the drive isn't connected or hasn't finished mounting. Wait until the drive shows up in Finder and try again.
If you don't have a backup to test yet, start with how to set up an offline backup.
How to show it's done
Keep a file called Backup tests with the date, the files you restored and whether they opened. File it in your proof folder.
Common questions
How often should I test?
At least once a year. If your form or broker names a different schedule, use theirs.
What if the test fails?
Fix the backup, test again, and write down both dates. Finding the problem is what the test is for.
I don't run a server. What do I test?
Your files. Restore a few from your backup, and ask the company behind your records software in writing how they'd restore your data.
Do I have to restore everything?
No. Describe what you actually tested.