Backup restore testing: a simple quarterly drill
Backups are only useful when restores work under pressure. This guide outlines a simple drill you can run quarterly.
Step 1: pick a scenario
Choose one realistic restore scenario (file, mailbox, VM, database). Keep it small and repeatable.
Step 2: validate prerequisites
Confirm credentials, storage locations, retention settings and offsite copies. Check for immutable copies if possible.
Step 3: run the restore
Perform a real restore into a safe location. Measure time-to-restore and validate data integrity.
Step 4: document the runbook
Write step-by-step instructions so a different person could repeat it. Capture contacts and decision points.
Step 5: improve
If the restore is slow or brittle, adjust retention, storage, network, or tooling. Repeat next quarter.
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