Backup exec recovery of files in program files (x86)
I have a client who just had their server drives stolen. We were one week from bringing a new server on board. Client had a Windows 2008 SBS server that I have been trying to replace for years. We were finally in process to replace when the drives were taken. I have a full backup on tape done in a old version of the Backup Exec. I have been able to do the following. I have been able to setup a temp server for them - Windows 2008 R2 which is fully patched. I installed 2014 and I was able to merge and catalog the tape backup and all worked. I was able to restore all their data files with no issue. The problem that I have now is that I need to restore a folder a third party vendor left in program files. In the catalog none of the system folders are visible even though the entire server was backed up nightly. I also have a backup of the exchange server and need to restore one mailbox. My main concern is the program files (x86) folder that is not there. Where are those files lcoated if anywhere? I told the vendor to use another location but they asured me all was good. This is a client I work on once a year when the lose a file or two or need to update something and of course it is my fault. I could have sworn the entire server was backed up. If I have to do a complete restore I will but I would prefer not to if I can avoid it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Backup Exec silently excludes file system content that should be backed up another way, so specifically for this example if the missing files were classified as part of the System State that would not be becked up via the drive letter.
Typically applications that install as services or those that apply drivers (including filters drivers) may end up as part of the system state. (although if they store their data in the program files folder structure, then the data files normally would not be part of the system state.)
The System State backup is only usually used for DR restore where you are trying to get back the original OS and service level drivers and applications - it cannot really be used where you are using a different OS. If you cannot do a system state restore (because of changes to OS etc) then to get back an application you would usually have to re-install it anyway, as just recovering the files would not correctly register the application into the OS.
Note: If the files are in a system state backup , then you can redirect it's restore to a temporary folder and then take a look inside the temp folder once the restore completes .