Important Concepts to Understand Before You Begin

Under most circumstances, you never really have to pay attention to the Agent once it is installed and registered. Assuming you have an open network connection, the Agent can handle backups automatically at times when you are not even working on your computer (for example, during the middle of the night).

The time when you would need to work directly with the Agent, however, is likely to be a stressful time because you would probably be trying to retrieve lost files or recover from a crashed computer. But if you understand the different types of retrieve and restore features available before an emergency arises, then recovering from lost files or a crashed computer can go smoothly.

Retrieve View Tab (Explore This Account's Files)

Use the Retrieve View tab to view files that have been previously backed up and are available to retrieve from the Data Center in the event that you lose or corrupt the files on your computer. This tab displays a two-pane window with a directory tree that allows you to select the files you want to retrieve.

In the right pane, the Agent lists the files and folders that you have previously backed up. Use the check boxes next to each file or folder to select it for retrieval.

Tabs in the left pane enable you to change where to access the files you want to restore. These tabs are:

	Explore this account's files tab. Click to display a folder tree in the left pane that allows you to navigate to the folders that contain files and subfolders you want to retrieve. In the right pane, the files and subfolders will be displayed with check boxes. Use the check boxes to select files and subfolders to be retrieved.
	Explore another account's files tab. Click to retrieve other accounts' files, if other accounts have opted to share files with you. This tab displays content only if other accounts have given you permission to access files from those accounts. You can then select and retrieve files from those accounts on the Data Center . This feature is only available if you have an Agent that is configured for file sharing.
	Explore Files on CD tab. Click to retrieve files from a data CD that contains your backed up files. You must first have requested and received the data CD from Support. This feature is only available if you have an Agent that is configured for CDs.
	Order a CD tab. Click to order a CD with your backed up files. This feature is only available if you have an Agent that is configured for CDs.
	Files selected for Retrieve tab. Click to view the list of files you've selected to retrieve.

Buttons at the bottom of the screen enable you to start retrieving files or refine your view of retrievable files:

	Retrieve Options button. Click to open a window that enables you to filter certain files for display in the Retrieve View tab.
	Retrieve Now button. Click to retrieve the files you selected.

There are basically three types of retrieve and restore features:

	Basic file retrieval . If you should lose one or several files on your computer, but the rest of your computer is working fine, you can simply retrieve the missing files by accessing your backed up copies at the Data Center . Click here to learn about Basic File Retrieval.
	Heal . If your computer crashes or becomes corrupt, then you probably have to restore most, if not all, of your system. In this situation, you would perform a Heal to recover backed up data files, Windows registry files, and application files (if applicable) from the Data Center . Click here to learn more about Heal.
	Agent account recovery . If your computer crashes or becomes corrupt, then it's likely that you won't be able to access the Agent (and consequently the Help files) to heal your system. In this situation, you would first have to recover your Agent account before healing your system. If you ever have to reinstall your Agent, be sure to not create a new account. Instead, select the account recovery option during the Agent installation process. When you select this option, you must provide your account number, encryption key , and account password (if you use an optional password). For this reason, you should always keep this information recorded in a safe place, away from your computer. Read more about Agent Account Recovery.