The Art of Not Losing Your Mind (or Data)
Picture this: It’s a busy Monday, and someone just deleted an essential config file from your Azure VM…again. Maybe you’re under the gun, or maybe you’re just tired of living on the edge. Either way, folder and file level recovery is your ticket off the data-loss rollercoaster.
In this walkthrough, we demystify the process of bringing files (and your sanity) back from the brink, thanks to multi-generational recovery on Azure VMs. Let’s break it down.
Setting Up Your Azure Worker
Ah, the Azure worker—your personal recovery butler. But, as with any butler, a bit of prep (and a few instructions) will spare you a world of hassle later.
First, make your way to the Worker configuration page in the N2W console. You’ll need to create a new Azure worker and, yes, this is where the attention to detail pays off:
- Choose the right subscription (where your prone-to-mishap VM lives)
- Select the correct region (because restoring files to the wrong hemisphere is generally frowned upon)
- Specify the resource group, virtual network, subnet, and security group
Heads up: Get your networking right! Ryan warns that the worker’s security group and subnet must grant access on port 443 and port 22 back to your N2W server.
With settings in place, hit Save. Not sure you nailed it? Use the Test feature—wait two to five minutes for peace of mind. A successful test? High five. You’re clear for recovery.
Recovery Time: Browsing Multiple Generations
Switch over to the Backup Monitor page and find the policy protecting your Azure VMs. Click Recover, select your VM of interest, and hit Explore Disk Files. Here’s where the “multi-generational” magic kicks in:
You’ll get to pick how many backup versions you want to browse. Been burned in the last few days? Select three backups (or however many your retention policy allows). More generations = more recovery options. Don’t underestimate the power of a good digital time machine.
Start your session—the wait’s short and the payoff sweet. Once it’s ready, open your session in a new browser tab. You’ll see a lovely hierarchical view: virtual machines, disks, and, courtesy of your past backup policies, an archive of folders and files you can easily browse.
Don’t worry if you don’t remember the exact file path. Use the search bar or click through the structured folders (if you’re running Linux VMs, expect classic /etc, /var, /home vibes). Once you spot the missing (or maliciously deleted) file, click Download. Voila! The file lands locally on your machine. From there, you’re free to upload it back to the VM or wherever you need it.
Multi-Generational Recovery: The Safety Net You Actually Use
Let’s be real—accidents happen. But with the multi-generational folder and file recovery at your disposal, a single mistake won’t send your whole operation into a tailspin. You have the power to step back through time, picking the exact version that saves your bacon.
Ryan’s advice is clear: harness the features at your fingertips, choose your generations wisely, and don’t let misfortune become a crisis. With a robust Azure recovery strategy, you can keep calm, carry on, and enjoy that second cup of stress-free coffee.
