Understanding restore file options

Updated June 05, 2026 15:58

Overview

When restoring files from the CrashPlan app or performing a device restore from the CrashPlan console, you are presented with Restore Files Options to configure for the download. This article explains the available settings for location, filename conflict handling, and file permissions.

Save selected files to (Target location)

The options available for choosing where your files are downloaded depend on whether you are restoring from the CrashPlan app or performing a device restore from the CrashPlan console.

CrashPlan app

When performing a restore from the CrashPlan app, the following location options are available:

Downloads (default):
Restores files directly to your computer's Downloads folder.
Desktop:
Restores files directly to your computer's Desktop.
Original location:
Restores files to the exact file path they were originally backed up from. If the original file path does not exist on the current device, the app will recreate the original folder structure.
Note: This option is automatically disabled if you are restoring files to a different operating system than the source device (e.g. Mac to Windows).
Other:
Opens your device's file browser so you can select a specific destination folder.

CrashPlan console

When performing a device restore (push restore) from the console, you must select one of the following options:

Target Path (recommended): Allows you to type a specific file path on the target device for the restore.
Note: When this option is selected, the default values are used for the other restore options.
Original Location: Restores files to the file path they were originally backed up from.

When restoring over existing files (If file already exists)

If you restore a file to a location that already contains a file with the exact same name, you must choose how CrashPlan handles the conflict:

Rename existing and restore a copy (recommended):
CrashPlan keeps the restored file name unchanged and renames the existing file on your device by adding the prefix original1. This option is recommended if you are unsure which setting to use.
Replace the file on this device:
CrashPlan replaces the existing file on your device with the restored version.
Do not restore the file (CrashPlan App only):
CrashPlan skips restoring files when duplicate file names are detected. Existing files remain unchanged. Skipped files are listed in the restore summary.
Protect my newer files – skip newer (CrashPlan App only):
CrashPlan compares file timestamps and skips restoring files if the existing file on your device is newer than the backup version being restored.
Protect my older files – skip older (CrashPlan App only):
CrashPlan compares file timestamps and skips restoring files if the existing file on your device is older than the backup version being restored.

Permissions

To successfully change permissions during a restore, you must have write permissions to the files. There are two settings available:

Current (default, recommended):
When the file is restored, its ownership is changed to the user currently performing the restore. Use this option to guarantee you have immediate access to the files on your current device, especially if they were originally backed up on a different device or under a different user profile.
Original:
When the file is restored, it retains the exact ownership and permissions it had when it was originally backed up.