If the latest quote, invoice or customer file went missing, how far back could you recover it? How long would that take? A short restore test gives you a better answer than a green backup status.
List what the business needs to run
Include shared folders, email, accounting and any other systems the team relies on. For each, record where the data lives, who is responsible for it and how much recent work you can afford to lose. A weekly copy may be too old for a system people update every day.
Restore a file and time it
Pick a test file, restore it into a separate folder and open it. Record the version date, how long recovery took and who can repeat it. For software that uses a separate database, agree a controlled recovery test with the person who manages the application.
Check who can reach the backups
Keep at least one copy separate from production where possible, and protect the backup account with its own access controls. For cloud files, check version history and retention, and find out how recovery works if the original user account has been closed.
Set the next test date and keep the instructions somewhere accessible during an outage. Repeat the test after a major change to your software or backup setup.
If a restore test revealed that an important folder or system is missing, tell us what the data is and how quickly your team needs it back. Ask for a backup review · Explore small business IT support