Backup Manager Restore-Only Mode

The Restore-Only Mode is a way to have the Backup Manager installed on a device without backing up the device's data. This mode can be enabled either temporarily or permanently and is done to prevent unwanted backups in cases such as:

• When your computer has failed and it is necessary to recover data from it to a new location
• When you want an up-to-date copy of all necessary data available straight away on another computer

When the Restore-Only Mode is enabled, the Backup tab is absent from the Backup Manager. The options on the Restore tab are updated automatically after each new backup session on the source computer.

While you are in the Restore-Only Mode, you can restore data in either of the following ways:

• On Demand - One-off restores, configured and triggered manually
• Continuous Restore - Automatic, continuous recovery of the source computer to the machine where restore-only mode is installed

Install in Restore-Only Mode

Installing a device in Restore-Only Mode is possible for Windows, macOS or Linux devices:

• Install in Restore-Only Mode

Enabling Restore-Only Mode

It is possible to switch a device to use Restore-Only Mode at any time after Backup Manager is installed. This is possible for Windows, macOS or Linux devices:

• Enable Restore-Only Mode

Disable Restore-Only Mode

A device can be taken out of Restore-Only Mode and placed back into standard mode in one of two ways:

1. Option 1: Using the notification ribbon
2. Option 2: Through config.ini

Option 1: Using the notification ribbon

As soon as Backup Manager recognizes the device is in Restore-Only Mode, you will be given a notification banner on every page while viewing the Backup Manager.

To disable the Restore-Only Mode, click the Switch to standard mode button on the notification:

Option 2: Through config.ini

Restore-Only Mode can also be disabled by amending the configuration file:

1. On the device currently in Restore-Only Mode, click on Start and type services.msc
2. Locate the Backup Service Controller and right click to open the action menu
3. Select Properties
4. Stop the service
5. Open a text editor on the device as an Administrator
6. Confirm User Access Control to permit changes
7. Open the Backup Manager configuration file (config.ini)
8. Under the [General] section, change the ReadOnlyMode value to =0 or remove it

   [General]
   User=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
   Password=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
   EncryptionKey=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
   ReadOnlyMode=0

9. Return to services.msc
10. Locate the Backup Service Controller and right click to open the action menu
11. Select Properties
12. Start the service