923 - How to use InstantData to gain temporary access to files

One of the ways in which you can use InstantData is to gain temporary access to your files. 

Watch our how-to video below, or read on for more detailed instructions.

1. Open the InstantData application

There are three ways to access InstantData to recover a machine: directly from the ESE agent for the machine, through the RedApp, and through the Storage Platform Console.

ESE agent

Click on the InstantData icon in the Restore tab.

RedApp

Locate the machine you want to recover. Expand its menu on the right, and click Recover using InstantData. The InstantData application will be downloaded.

Console

Choose the appropriate method below:

a. I have access to the Storage Platform Console /I am an Administrator

Click the InstantData button at the top of the Console interface to open the application. 

Note: If the InstantData menu option or button is not visible, see How to activate InstantData.

As an Administrator, you can also share a link that will provide access to InstantData with someone who does not have Console access or is unable to determine their Account or Storage Platform details. To share a link, right-click the name of the relevant Account in the Console and go to InstantData > Share...

b. I have been sent an InstantData link by my Administrator

The settings will already be configured and you should be able to start recovering files immediately.

c. I don’t have the Console or an InstantData link (for technical users)

InstantData can also be downloaded remotely by opening the appropriate web address for your Storage Platform/AccountServer.

To download, open either of these links in your web browser:
https://AccountServer name/WebLaunch.htm
Example: https://MyPlatform/WebLaunch.htm
http://AccountServer name:443/WebLaunch.htm
Example: http://MyPlatform:443/WebLaunch.htm

Note: The name of your AccountServer, as well as your Account and Group details can be found in Options > Backup account in your ESE Agent.

2. Connect to the Account

When you first open InstantData Temporary, you will be prompted to install a driver from a third-party vendor (EldoS Corporation). This is required for the mounting of virtual data storage to work correctly. Read more in Article 1469.

Once you have opened InstantData Temporary, select Temporary File Access and click Next.

Enter your security credentials and click Next.

Note: The Account details will already be entered if you’re running the app from the SP Console, and won’t need to be changed.

Select a backup to access and a drive letter to mount to. Then click Mount.

3. Recover your files

A notification will appear in your system tray confirming that InstantData has connected to your Account and the relevant backup data. The InstantData icon will also be visible.

The drive letter selected earlier can now be browsed in your Windows Explorer. You may view and update files as necessary for the duration of the current InstantData session.

For more complex scenarios, additional InstantData connections can be made by repeating the steps above. An additional icon will appear in the system tray for each connection made.

It is also possible to use InstantData Temporary with Microsoft's robocopy command. See Article 1553.

4. After using Temporary File Access 

Follow one of the options below.

a. I’d like to keep the changes I made

Copy any modified files to an alternative location on a drive letter other than the one created by InstantData.

b. I’m done with the files

Ensure that no other application has any files open on the InstantData drive letter, then perform one of the following steps to disconnect InstantData from your backup and to stop using the app:

• System tray icon: Right-click the InstantData icon and select Unmount.
• Click the Safely Remove Hardware or Eject Media icon in the system tray.
  (This option is only available if a backup was mounted as a removable disk.)
• In the Console, right-click Restores in the Current Activity frame (bottom left corner) and select Cancel Task.