Veeam Backup Free Edition provides multi-OS file-level recovery that allows reading data from 16 different OS file systems.
To restore files from VM guest OS’es, Veeam Backup Free Edition utilizes its patent-pending approach using a helper appliance. The helper appliance is a virtual appliance running a stripped-down Linux kernel that has a minimal set of components. The appliance is very small, around 20 MB, and takes only 10-20 seconds to boot.
The helper appliance is created directly on the selected Hyper-V host. When you perform file-level restore, Veeam Backup Free Edition automatically starts the appliance and mounts the VM disks to the helper appliance as virtual hard drives. VM disks are mounted directly from backup files without prior extraction of the backup content.
After the restore process is complete, the wizard displays the file browser window, providing you with direct access to the VM file system. You can then copy necessary files and folders to your local machine drive or save them anywhere within the network. Alternatively, you can allow users to restore files on their own by enabling the FTP server on the helper appliance.
To perform an instant multi-OS restore, follow the next steps:
- Choose a file
- Select a restore point
- Specify a restore reason
- Select location for a helper appliance
- Save restored files
