Why test
A backup is only useful if it can be restored. Providers should test restores regularly instead of assuming successful backup jobs mean recoverable data.
What to test
- Single-file restore.
- Database restore.
- Full account restore.
- Mailbox restore.
- Bare-metal or full-server restore when applicable.
- Restore time and customer communication process.
Restore safety
Restores can overwrite newer data. For important sites, ask for a copy restore or staging restore first when possible. Ecommerce, forums, CRMs, and membership sites need special care because new orders or user records may exist after the restore point.
Quick support handoff
If this article does not solve the issue, open a support ticket with the domain, service name, exact error, time the problem started, and what changed recently.
