While going through a thread at Microsoft Answers, it came to me that how confusing task it can be, to restore files backed up using Windows Vista’s Backup and Restore Center. So, I decided to write up a post describing steps on how to restore your files using Advanced Restore.

Preparation

If you have stored your back up on a removable drive then keep it handy when you start this procedure.

Procedure

• Insert/Connect the removable drive containing your backup to your system.
• Click start and type “Backup and Restore Center” in search box and press Enter.

• Click on the Advanced Restore link under “Restore Files” button.

• A new window titled “Backup Status and Configuration” will open.
• Click “Advanced restore” to continue to next step.

• In the this step, select “Files from a backup made on different computer” and click Next.

• A new window will ask you to select the source drive/network share where the backup is located.

• Select the first option and select your partition/removable media where the backup is located and click Next.

• After searching through the selected drive, a list of backups present on your drive will be presented to you.
• Select the most relevant one and click Next.

• Here you would be asked to select Files/Folders that you want to be restored. If you want to perform complete restore, select “Restore everything in this backup” and click Next.

• Next you would be asked to choose the destination drive/folder where you want to restore your backup. Select one and click continue.

• Now you are done. Your backup has been restore.

I hope this has helped you in restoring your back-up. All the best.