Because Windows cannot read other file systems natively, Veeam Backup Free Edition provides multi-OS file-level recovery that allows reading data from 16 different OS file systems. For a list of supported file systems, see: https://helpcenter.veeam.com/backup/hyperv/platform_support.html.
To restore files from VM guest OS’es, Veeam Backup Free Edition utilizes its patent-pending approach using a special FLR helper. The FLR helper is a virtual appliance running a stripped-down Linux kernel that has a minimal set of components. The appliance is very small, at around 20 MB, and takes only 10-20 seconds to boot.
The FLR helper appliance is created directly on the selected Hyper-V host. Whenever you perform file-level restore, Veeam Backup Free Edition automatically starts the appliance and mounts the VM disks to the FLR appliance as virtual hard drives. VM disks are mounted directly from backup files without prior extraction of the backup content.
Once 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 virtual appliance.
To perform an instant multi-OS restore, follow the next steps: