Frequently Asked Question
How do I reconnect HBS 3 to an existing backup after replacing or resetting a QNAP NAS?
QUICK ANSWER
Use Relink backup job only when the existing backup format and destination support it. Review source-folder pairing before running the recreated job so it does not back up the wrong data.
Applies to: HBS 3 backup jobs; sync jobs and an arbitrary copied folder are different cases.
Work through these checks
- Keep the complete destination backup, any encryption password and the original job information. Ensure the old NAS or task will not keep writing to that same backup while the replacement takes over.
- Add or verify the correct destination storage space in HBS 3. Test its access without erasing, renaming or recreating the existing backup directory.
- Go to Backup & Restore > Create > Relink backup job and locate the existing backup data. Cloud relinking has additional requirements, including deduplication in the original job on the documented HBS versions.
- Review every source and destination pairing, schedule, filter and retention setting. HBS can automatically associate the backup with original source paths; confirm those paths contain the intended data on the replacement.
Confirm the result
Browse the retained history and restore a small file to a separate location. Then run a controlled backup and verify a restore from the new version.
Before going further: Do not delete an unrecognised archive, assume every .qdff can be relinked on every model, or run two writers against one backup.
If you need help
Include these details in your ticket: Old/new NAS models, HBS versions, destination and backup format, encryption status and the relink message.
Updated 261107