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Carbonite Safe Backup Pro Restore Checklist

This guide will walk you through each step of the Carbonite restore process.

The sections below are collapsed. Please click a section title to open / close the appropriate section.

Step 1: Transfer Carbonite To Your New Computer

If your computer crashes or if you get a new computer to replace an old one, you can transfer your current subscription to another computer. When you transfer your subscription, you can restore your files that were backed up by Carbonite.

Carbonite can only be transferred to computers with the same platform (e.g. Windows operating systems to Windows operating systems). Currently, you cannot transfer your subscription from a Windows computer to a computer running a Mac operating system.

Sign into your account at https://account.carbonite.com from the computer you wish to transfer Carbonite to.

Sign In

Once signed in, click the user name of the person whose backup needs to be restored.

Select Username

On the next screen, select Restore this backup from the drop-down menu under Computer Actions.

Select Restore

Click Complete Restore on the next page.

Select Complete Restore
If you are unable to see a button to proceed, you may need to adjust your browser's zoom settings by holding the CTRL key and tapping the + or - key on your keyboard to zoom in or out.

The next popup in the web browser shows the four steps for restoring. Click Next >.

Restore Steps

Then click Install to start downloading the Carbonite installer.

Start Install

In most browsers, you will see the file appear near the bottom of the browser window. Click Run if prompted, or double-click the file where it appears to run the installer.

  • If you don't see the file, press Ctrl + J on your keyboard to open your Downloads folder.
  • Alternatively, you can press the Windows Key + R (to open the Run box), then type "Downloads" and click OK.

The first screen of the installer displays Carbonite's Terms and Conditions. You will have to accept these terms to continue with the installation. The options to agree and disagree are provided in the bottom right of the window.

After accepting the Terms and Conditions, you will see a progress bar on the screen and several status descriptions as the software installs.

The progress bar will then disappear, indicating the install is complete. Carbonite will automatically begin connecting to your backup on our servers right away. You will see several more status descriptions on screen during this process, including Downloading backup information... and ending with Starting the backup engine.... These screens may take a few moments to progress. There is no need to intervene. If Carbonite does encounter a problem while connecting to your backup, the software will display a notification.

When the connection completes, the Restore Manager will open.

Please review our difficulty installing Carbonite guide if you have any trouble.

Step 2: The Restore Manager

The Restore Manager will be launched at the end of the installation, allowing you to restore all of your backed up data.

If you do not need to restore all of your files, you can restore files and folders instead. Any data not restored will be removed from your backup 60 days after exiting Recover mode if it is not otherwise present on your computer and selected for backup.

Select Hard Drive(s) to Get Files Back From

If you had backed up multiple hard drives with Carbonite, you will be given the option to select which drive(s) you would like to restore your files from.

Carbonite Windows Client: Which drives do you want to get files back from?

After making your selection, click Continue to proceed.

Carbonite Windows Client: Select drives and click Continue.

Select Restore Location

You will be able to choose the location you would like your files restored to.

Where do you want to put your files from each drive?

After making your selection, click Continue to proceed.

Carbonite Windows Client: Select the locations where you want to put the files and click Continue.

Match User Accounts

During the restore process, you will be asked to match user accounts.

Carbonite Windows Client: Choose a location for each Windows user account.

If any of the Windows user accounts on your old computer don't exist on your new computer, you will be presented with restore options.

Carbonite Windows Client: Choose an account on this computer, create an accont, choose a different folder, or don't get these files back (Warning: they will be available for 30 more days).

After making your selection, click Continue to proceed.

Carbonite Windows Client: After confirming where the data will be restored, click Continue.

Review Restore Selections

You will be presented with your restore choices. Click View details to review your restore selection. Once you're satisfied with your choices, click Start getting files back.

Carbonite Windows Client: Review your selection and click Start getting files back.

Restore Progress

Once your restore has started, you will be able to review the overall and individual progress of your restore. The progress of your restore will be displayed as a percentage. Information about the file currently being restored will also be displayed.

Viewing the Restore Progress

After your restore has started, Carbonite recommends that you keep your computer on and that your backup remains paused for safekeeping until your restore has completed. Your restore may take time to complete.

You can close the Restore Manager window during the restore process. The restore will continue to operate in the background. To reopen the Restore Manager window to see your current progress, right-click the Carbonite icon in the notification area and select View Restore Status....

Carbonite Windows Icon: View Restore Status

Restore Priority

If you need a few files or folders back right away, click the search your backup and download from Carbonite.com link.

Restore Manager: Restore some files and folders

You will be directed to log into your Carbonite account to access the Anytime Anywhere Access feature.

Next Step(s)

Your restore will now progress until it has successfully completed. It is recommended that you adjust your computer's power settings and Windows Update Settings to not conflict with the restore progress.

  • Please review the Carbonite Post-Restore Checklist to assist you with getting all of your files back into the correct location(s) and making sure you are prepared to begin backing up again.

Troubleshooting Assistance

While the process to install Carbonite and begin your restore should normally run without a problem, below are some troubleshooting steps that should help you resolve any issue that you may be experiencing.

Difficulty Installing Carbonite

  • Usually when you are experiencing issues with Installing Carbonite on your computer, it is the cause of some security software blocking the installation. Ensure Carbonite is allowed through your security software - Most security software will prompt you to grant Carbonite access when it tries to install. Please ensure that you select to give Carbonite access through the Security Software to ensure that it can be installed correctly and perform the necessary functions in order to complete your restore. If you run into any trouble with this, please review the difficulty installing Carbonite guide . If you are still having difficulties, please contact Carbonite Customer Care for additional assistance.

Computer Goes to Sleep and Restore Never Finishes

Remain in Recover Mode

  • Ensure that you always remain in Recover Mode for your restore. This mode is to facilitate restoring files to your computer and you should remain in it until you are certain that you have restored all of the files to this new computer.
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