FAQ: Restore
How do I restore my files to a new computer?
- Download and install CrashPlan on your new computer.
- Log into CrashPlan using your existing account.
- Go to Restore to restore your files.
- If the new computer is replacing an old computer, follow the instructions for Adopting Another Computer.
What computers can I restore files from?
You can restore your files from a few different places:
- From an instance of CrashPlan running on the original source computer
- From an instance of CrashPlan running on any computer in your account
- From www.crashplan.com to any computer (CrashPlan+ feature)
- From a destination owned by your friend using Guest Restore
Can I do a full system backup / restore with CrashPlan?
CrashPlan is file based backup that is focused on protecting your data. It does not do “bare metal” or full system backup or recovery.
Can I still restore my files from my friend if CrashPlan is only set to run between certain times?
In order to restore files, CrashPlan must be running at the backup destination. If your friend isn't running CrashPlan “always” then you'll have to wait until their run window to restore.
Can I restore my data from your website?
If you have a CrashPlan+ license and you're backing up to CrashPlan Central, you can restore your files from your account page on www.crashplan.com.
Can I close CrashPlan while a restore is in progress?
Yes. If you close the CrashPlan Desktop, the restore will continue in the background.
Can my friend restore my data?
No. There is a Guest Restore feature that allows you to restore data directly from your friend's computer, but it requires you to enter your account password.
The Guest Restore feature is on the Friends tab.
Can I restore without an Internet connection?
Local Restore (your computers) and Guest Restore (friend computers) allow you to restore directly to the computer with your backup archives. For example, if your dad's laptop was stolen and he was backed up to your computer at home, he would be able to use his account to restore his data directly to your computer, and remove the files from there. It's MUCH faster than trying to restore over the Internet.
Please see our How Tos for full instructions.
How long does it take before the restore download begins?
Your download will begin immediately. There is no waiting for CrashPlan to package up files before they get sent.
How do I scroll within the Web Restore file list on my iPhone?
Instead of using scrollbars, the iPhone uses its own method for scrolling. Use two fingers within Web Restore's file tree to navigate through the file list.
What files are restored first?
When preforming a restore, files are downloaded starting at the top of the tree recurse down. So if your file structure looks like this:
- Folder 1
- Folder 1.1
- Folder 1.2
- Folder 2
then CrashPlan will restore the files and folders in this order:
- Folder 1 and its contents
- Folder 1.1 and its contents
- Folder 1.2 and its contents
- Folder 2 and its contents
How can I restore from old archives using a new CrashPlan installation?
Reinstall CrashPlan and reconnect to an existing archive