How to Test Backup of Mac Before Restoring – Guide
Many of us have data we can’t afford to lose, such as photos, spreadsheets, emails, financial info or even a novel draft. But while more people are backing up their data, few take the extra step to ensure their backups are working correctly.
Backing up your data is essential, but it won’t do you any good if the backup is corrupted or the disk it’s stored on is damaged. To ensure your backups are always in tip-top shape, here are some steps you can take.
What could go wrong?
Backups should be set up and left to run automatically, so that when something goes wrong, you can restore the material. Testing is essential to ensure backups are working as they should, so that in an ideal world you wouldn’t even need them.
Users can avoid data loss due to incorrect backups, disconnected drives, and expired accounts by testing their backup systems regularly.
How to Test a Time Machine backup
Check your Time Machine backup in the Time Machine Control Panel. Look for the oldest and most recent backups. If your Mac is connected to Time Machine, the backup should be no more than a few hours old. By default, your Mac supports continuous backups, but if there’s an issue with an external hard drive or network drive (such as a Time Capsule), you can detect it in time by checking the backups.
To fix the issue, reconnect the device or choose a different one. Then, open Time Machine from the menu bar and hit ‘Back Up Now’. Allow a few hours for the backup to finish and check that it’s done.
It’s time to test your recent backup. To avoid the lengthy process of restoring all files, select a few random ones to check instead. Suggested files include, but are not limited to, [list].
You need to safeguard your essential files. Whether it’s financial records, current projects or schoolwork, these are the documents you can’t afford to lose.
A trove of emails, contacts and photos has been uncovered.
Data files of unknown origin have been discovered.
To test the efficacy of your backup system, try restoring files from random dates in the past year. Create a folder on your desktop called “Tested Files” and place the restored files there. If you’re using Apple’s integrated programs, emails, contacts and photos can be restored directly from those programs by signing into Time Machine.
How to Test other backup systems
If you’re not using Time Machine to back up your data, you may be relying on a cloud-based service like Backblaze, Carbonite, Mozy or Crashplan. However, the process for restoring files varies between programs. Here we’ll look at how to do it with Backblaze.
When restoring files, use the same criteria as Time Machine suggests. Select a few random files from different dates, as well as your most important ones. For emails, contacts and photos, Time Machine is the best option for easy restoration. Third-party programs usually require restoring the entire database. To ensure maximum protection, it’s recommended to use both Time Machine and an online backup service.
What about iCloud?
iCloud is a great way to back up your iPhone and iPad, as well as contacts, calendars and other items that sync with iCloud. However, it won’t back up your computer. You can store some files on iCloud Drive, which will sync across devices; if your Mac crashes, the material will still be safe on iCloud. But any data stored on the hard drive won’t be protected.
How many times should you test?
How often should you test your knowledge? Testing too frequently is unnecessary; monthly or twice a year is recommended. For students, testing every semester or quarter is advised.
Final note
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to test a Mac backup before restoring it. If you have any questions, please reach out for help. Share the article with your friends to spread the love.
