====== How to Restore Files with Squirrel ======

[[https://www.smikar.com/squirrel-data-rehydration/|Click here for more information about Squirrel Rehydration on the official SmiKar website.]]

Squirrel makes restoring archived files quick and easy for end users, right from within SharePoint or Microsoft Teams.

This guide shows you how to restore a file that has been archived.

===== What happens when a file is archived? =====

When a file is archived by Squirrel:

  * The original file is replaced with a small "stub" file.
  * This stub file looks like the original but only contains a link to restore the file.
  * When you need the file again, you simply click the link to begin the restore.

===== Restoring a file =====

==== Step 1: Locate the stub file ====

  * Go to the SharePoint site or Teams location where the file was originally located.
  * You will see the file still listed — but it is a stub (small file with the same name, but amended with .html at the end).

==== Step 2: Click the restore link ====

  * Open the stub file by clicking on it.
  * The file will contain a URL that looks like this:

    https://squirrel.smikar.com/restore/?site_guid=xxxxx&file_guid=xxxxx

  * Click the link to open the Squirrel Restore page in your browser.

==== Step 3: Submit restore request ====

  * The Squirrel Restore page will show details about the file and a clickable link to restore the file.
  * Click the **link** to start the restore process.

==== Step 4: File is restored ====

  * Squirrel will retrieve the file from the archive and restore it to the original location.
  * You will receive an on-screen confirmation when the file has been restored.
  * Refresh the SharePoint or Teams folder after a few moments — your file will be back and ready to use.

===== Notes =====

  * Some files (especially large ones) may take a few minutes to be restored.
  * You can continue working and check back later — the file will automatically appear in its original location once restored.
  * If you have any issues restoring a file, contact your IT administrator or Squirrel support.

===== FAQ =====

**Q: What if I delete the stub file?**
  * If a stub file is accidentally deleted, IT administrators can still restore the archived file using Squirrel management tools.

**Q: Can I restore multiple files at once?**
  * No — restores are performed one file at a time via the stub link.

**Q: Where are the files restored to?**
  * The restored file will always be placed back in the exact same SharePoint or Teams folder where it was originally archived from.