Importing Backup records by device (to import all backup records for the entire device, either on a 'Local Backup' device or a 'Cloud Backup' S3 device) (21.x and newer versions)

How to Import Your Backup Records in NovaBACKUP

What is importing backup records?

When you import backup records, you're not restoring your actual files. Instead, you're importing a list of all the backups you've created so you can see what's available to restore later. Think of it like rebuilding your backup catalog or index.

When do you need to import backup records?

You'll need to do this if:

Your computer crashed and you lost your backup catalog
You're setting up NovaBACKUP on a new computer
You want to access backups that were created on a different computer
Your backup list in the Restore tab is empty or incomplete

What you'll need before starting

Important: Before you can import, you must first recreate your backup device in NovaBACKUP. This means:

For Local Backups (external drives, network drives):

Go to the Devices tab and recreate your backup device
Make sure the path points to where your backups are stored

For Cloud Backups:

Go to the Devices tab and recreate your cloud backup device
In the Optional Settings tab, make sure to enter the correct:
- Domain name (if applicable)
- Computer name (especially important if you're on a different computer)

Step-by-step import process

Step 1: Start the import

Open NovaBACKUP and go to the Restore tab
Click on your backup device in the list to select it
Click the Import button at the bottom of the window

Step 2: Select your backup source

In the Import Source selection screen, choose the Device that matches your backup location
Browse to find your backup device:
- Local Backup: Navigate to your external drive or network location
- Cloud Backup: Select your S3 storage device
Click OK to start the import

Step 3: Wait for completion

The system will switch to a job status view
Wait for the import process to finish
This may take some time depending on how many backups you have

Step 4: Refresh and view

Press the Refresh button on the Restore tab
Your imported backups will appear under an "Imported Backups" heading
You can now browse and select files to restore

Important: Importing vs. Restoring

Importing = Getting the list of available backups (what we just did) Restoring = Actually copying files back to your computer

Importing doesn't put any files back on your computer - it just shows you what's available to restore.

Special note for network drives

If your backups are stored on a network drive (UNC path like \server\share), and the import fails with an "Invalid device was specified" error, you may need to:

Set up user credentials:

Go to Default Settings > Run As tab
Change to "Run As Specified User"
Enter a username and password for an account that has:
- Administrator rights on your computer
- Full access to the network location where backups are stored
Close NovaBACKUP completely and restart it
Try the import process again

Check folder permissions:

Make sure these users have full control of the FPI folder (usually C:\ProgramData\NovaStor\NovaStor NovaBACKUP\FPI\):

The user account you specified above
SYSTEM user
Administrators group

Still having trouble?

If you need more detailed instructions:

For Cloud Backups: Check the separate knowledge base article specifically for cloud imports
For Local Backups: Check the separate knowledge base article specifically for local imports
Contact NovaBACKUP support if you continue to experience issues

Quick troubleshooting

Import button is grayed out? Make sure you've selected a device first.

"Invalid device" error? Double-check that your device settings match your actual backup location.

Nothing shows up after import? Try clicking the Refresh button and look under "Imported Backups."

Still can't see your backups? Verify that you're looking at the correct device and that your backups are actually stored in the location you specified.