Online backups provide an easy way to store and protect important files and data. However, backup failures can still occur, resulting in data loss. Recovering lost data after a failed online backup is possible in many cases through various data recovery techniques.
Understand Why the Backup Failed
The first step is to understand why and how the backup failed in the first place. This can help determine the best approach for data recovery. Some common reasons for online backup failures include:
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Cloud storage outage – The cloud storage service experienced downtime or an outage, preventing the backup from completing. Data may not have synced properly.
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Computer or device failure – A hardware failure in the computer or device hosting the local files prevented the backup from completing properly.
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User error – Mistakenly deleting local files before they sync or making errors in the backup settings.
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Software bugs – Bugs or glitches in the backup software led to data corruption or sync issues.
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Malware or ransomware attack – Malicious software may have corrupted, encrypted or deleted files before or during backup.
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Exceeding storage limits – Online backup services enforce storage limits per account. Exceeding these limits can cause backup exclusions or failures.
Knowing the specific cause of the failure helps determine which recovery options may work.
Check Online Backup Status and History
Log into the online backup account and check the status of the latest backup. Look for error messages or incomplete syncs that indicate a failed backup.
Also check the backup history and file versions. Online backups keep older versions of files, so you may be able to restore previous file versions if the latest backup failed:
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Can you browse previous versions of files and folders in the backup?
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How often does the backup service save file versions – daily, hourly?
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How far back does the file version history go – days, weeks, months?
If intact file versions exist in the backup prior to the failure, you may be able to directly restore the lost data from the online account.
Try Restoring Files from Local Storage
If the online backup failed before files could sync and upload, the local untouched source files may still exist on the computer, phone, external drive or source location.
Stop using the device immediately to prevent existing files from being overwritten. Then attempt to recover files from local storage:
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Recover unsynced files from the default backup folder location used by the software.
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Scan the computer or device storage thoroughly using recovery software to find leftover source files.
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Try restoring files from the local recycling bin or trash folder if they were accidentally deleted.
If the local source files still exist, you can resume backing them up once the underlying cause of failure is addressed.
Leverage RAID for Redundancy
If you were backing up files stored on a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) storage system, the data may still be recoverable due to built-in redundancy:
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RAID 1 – Drives are mirrored, so intact data may exist on the secondary drive.
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RAID 5 – Parity allows data to be reconstructed from remaining drives if one fails.
Consult a data recovery expert on options to rebuild RAID data after a failed backup. The right RAID configuration also protects against local drive failures.
Contact Online Backup Provider
Contact the backup service provider directly to discuss recovery options. Many providers have dedicated tech support teams and data recovery procedures:
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Explain the situation and failed backup details to support.
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Ask if they can restore file versions or data from their servers.
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Inquire if they offer data recovery assistance or can recommend trusted third-party services.
Reputable providers have contingencies in place to assist customers with data recovery after failed backups. Be ready to provide account details, purchase receipts and failed backup reports.
Use Data Recovery Software or Services
If the online backup service cannot directly recover the files, making use of data recovery software or professional services may be necessary:
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Run recovery software – Programs like Recuva and EaseUS can resurrect deleted files and recover corrupted data.
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Ship drives to a recovery lab – Labs can physically repair drives and extract data using forensic methods in clean room environments.
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Engage IT professionals – Local IT consultants offer various data recovery services and have experience with online backup failures.
These options increase the chances of recovering at least some data after a botched online backup. But they can be expensive and success is not guaranteed.
Restore Data and Assess Backup Reliability
If lost files can be recovered via the online account, local storage or third-party methods, be sure to restore the data properly once retrieved:
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Verify integrity – Check the restored data to confirm files are intact before regular use.
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Update backups – Copy recovered data to fresh external drives and back up immediately to suitable services.
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Review backup reliability – Assess the failed service’s capabilities and redundancy to determine if it meets your needs for safeguarding critical data.
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Strengthen backup plan – Implement a bulletproof 3-2-1 backup strategy with both local and cloud elements.
Recovering from a failed online backup takes time but is often possible through various techniques. Use the experience to build a robust backup process and ensure it does not happen again.
