How to Archive Files with Squirrel

Click here for more information about Squirrel Self Service Archiving on the official SmiKar website.

Squirrel makes archiving old or unneeded files simple for end users, directly from SharePoint.

The Archive button archives whatever you select, whatever its age or size - it does not apply the automatic archiving rules your administrator has set. Choose the file deliberately. If you archive something by mistake, you can restore it again straight away from the stub it leaves behind.

This guide shows you how to archive a file using Squirrel’s Self Service Archiving feature.

What happens when you archive a file?

When you archive a file using Squirrel:

• The file is automatically moved from SharePoint to long-term, low-cost storage.
• A stub file replaces the original. This looks identical but contains a link to restore the file when needed.
• The file no longer consumes space in your SharePoint quota.

Archiving a file

Step 1: Locate the file to archive

• Navigate to the SharePoint site and document library where your file is stored.
• Find the file you want to archive.

Step 2: Click the Archive button

• In the SharePoint document library, locate the Archive button in the file row.
• Click the Archive button.

Step 3: Confirm the archive request

• You may be asked to confirm your request.
• Click Yes or Confirm to proceed.

Step 4: File is archived

• The file will be removed from SharePoint and a stub file will appear in its place.
• The stub file can later be used to restore the original file when required.

Notes

• Archived files are securely stored and can be restored by clicking the stub file at any time.
• Archiving helps free up valuable SharePoint storage space.
• If you do not see the Archive button, your administrator may not have enabled it for your site - or may have deliberately deployed Restore buttons only, which leaves you able to recover archived files but not to archive new ones. Either way, ask your IT team.

FAQ

Q: Can I archive multiple files at once?

• This depends on how your administrator has configured Squirrel. Generally, archiving is performed one file at a time.

Q: Where do archived files go?

• Archived files are securely stored in Azure Blob Storage archive location, but are available in the Squirrel System, which is configured by your IT team.

Q: Can I still access archived files?

• Yes - simply open the stub file and use the restore link to bring the file back when needed.

Q: What if I delete the stub file?

• If the stub file is deleted, your IT administrator can still restore the file from the archive.