How can I recover lost data from my backup?

Chatref’s AI agent asks targeted questions to narrow down what data was lost and which backup contains it. It might ask when the data was last seen, which application created it, or who reported the loss. Using your backup history and policies from the knowledge base, the agent recommends the most likely recovery path. Answer the prompts and you’ll be directed to the right restore point - no guesswork.

Every detail you need is in your knowledge base: connecting to backup storage, selecting a restore method, and more. Chatref retrieves the exact instructions for your setup (cloud, NAS, tape, SaaS backups) and displays them in the chat with links to source documents. You always follow an approved, up‑to‑date procedure, which removes confusion and ensures consistent data recovery.

If your backup system supports an API, Chatref can kick off the restore job directly from the chat. After the AI agent confirms the file path and snapshot date, a custom action calls your backup software’s restore endpoint and provisions the data to a staging location. Without direct integration, the agent provides the exact commands or manual steps, including confirmation prompts to avoid overwriting live data.

After the restore, the AI agent walks you through validation: check file integrity, confirm accessibility, and verify no corruption. Update the knowledge base with any lessons learned so future recoveries become smoother. If anything is missing, the agent can loop back to re‑assess backup sets and escalate to a team member with full context if needed.

How to restore files from backup?

Identify the backup set and snapshot that contain the needed data. Initiate a restore through your backup software or, if Chatref custom actions are integrated, trigger the restore directly from the chat conversation. Follow the verification steps in your knowledge base to confirm the files are intact.

What to do if data is missing?

If data is missing, restart the diagnosis with Chatref’s AI agent. It cross‑checks multiple backup sets and suggests alternative snapshots. Your knowledge base should include checklists for common missing‑data scenarios (partial backups, retention windows). If nothing works, the agent escalates to your support team with full context.

Can I recover deleted files from backup?

Yes - deleted files can be recovered from any backup snapshot that captured them and hasn’t expired. Chatref’s AI agent helps locate the relevant version, and a custom action can restore those files to a safe location. Ensure your backup retention policy covers the deletion time frame to avoid permanent loss.