Business workstations
We have restored Windows systems complete with employees’ applications, user profiles, familiar settings and documents included in their backups.
SYSTEM BACKUP • RECOVERY • iT5 CLOUD
Complete Computer System Backup and Recovery
System Backup & Recovery | Your Windows Work Environment Preserved
A failed computer should not mean rebuilding your entire work environment from scratch. A full system backup lets you restore the Windows installation, applications, settings, documents and familiar workspace preserved when the backup was created.
23+years of hands-on IT experience
Hundredsof successful system recoveries
A solution we first put to work on our own computers
We have been using full system backups on our own computers for around ten years, and we still create them regularly today. Before testing new software, installing major updates or changing Windows settings, we make a fresh backup so we can return to an earlier, properly functioning system whenever necessary.
After several years of successful use, we began offering the same approach to our customers. It has helped businesses, lawyers, writers, professional workstation users and other specialists recover their familiar working environments.
Read about our experience ↓Our experience: protecting the work behind every computer
When a computer fails, the loss often goes far beyond the hardware. Years of documents, email archives, specialist application settings and a carefully configured workspace may be at risk. Over many years in IT, we have helped customers through a wide range of situations.
Lawyers’ computers
Important legal documents, correspondence, specialist software and individually configured working environments.
Writers’ manuscripts
On several occasions, we have recovered lost drafts from earlier backups. Sometimes a single document is worth more to its owner than the entire computer.
Outlook email archives
When local email data files become damaged, backed-up archives and application settings may help recover important correspondence.
Professional workstations
Engineering, creative and specialist systems depend on specific combinations of installed software, custom settings and carefully prepared workflows.
Accounting and other business systems
We have recovered critical software environments after technical incidents. Backup and recovery procedures for active databases are planned individually.
The iT5 approach: we protect not only individual files but also the ability to restore a familiar working environment. That saves both data and the time otherwise spent setting everything up again.
How do full system backups work?
Our approach combines the convenience of local recovery with an additional copy stored separately. Not every plan requires extra equipment at the customer’s premises.
YOUR WORKSTATIONComputer
Windows • applications • settings • documents
FAST LOCAL RECOVERYLocal backup
Available at the customer’s location when included in the solution
SEPARATE STORAGEiT5 Cloud
Backups from multiple dates, stored separately from the customer’s local network
Scheduled backup solutions may use both local and separate storage. When a one-time backup is created at iT5 premises, the customer does not need to purchase an additional drive or storage device.
What does a full system backup preserve?
This is more than copying document folders. We preserve the agreed state of an entire disk, or the necessary disk partitions, at a specific point in time.
WindowsOperating system and boot environment
ApplicationsInstalled software and its configuration
SettingsUser profile, desktop and working environment
Sign-insCredentials and sign-in information saved on the system
DocumentsFiles stored on the disks included in the backup
Application dataLocal archives and backed-up application data files
Recovery on the same computer
After replacing a failed drive, a full backup can restore the Windows work environment as it existed on the backup date, including applications, settings and data. This avoids having to reinstall and configure the operating system and all your applications from scratch.
Saved sign-ins are normally restored as well, although some online services, two-factor authentication systems and software licences may require renewed verification for security reasons.
What if the original computer is no longer available?
The system can be recovered onto an identical or technically compatible replacement computer. Different hardware may require adjustments to drivers, licences, boot settings or sign-ins.
| Recovery destination | What can be restored? |
|---|---|
| Same computer, replacement drive | Windows, applications, settings, data and the familiar workspace as of the backup date. |
| Identical replacement computer | The system is restored, boot operation verified and any required application activation checked. |
| Technically compatible computer | Recovery with any necessary driver, licence or sign-in adjustments. |
| Incompatible hardware | An individual system setup and data recovery solution is arranged. |
When is a full system backup particularly useful?
DRIVE FAILUREAn HDD or SSD fails
The entire backed-up working environment is restored onto a replacement drive.
OPERATING SYSTEMWindows no longer starts
Restore an earlier, properly functioning system state.
UPDATESA software or Windows update fails
Return to the previous system and its settings.
OUTLOOKA local email archive becomes damaged
An earlier backup may help restore email data and the application environment.
DOCUMENTSAn important document is lost
Retrieve the document from a backup created on a suitable date.
MALWAREFiles are encrypted
Use a suitable backup made before the incident.
DEVICE LOSSA computer is stolen or damaged
The system may be recovered onto technically compatible replacement hardware.
VERSION HISTORYAn earlier working state is needed
Select the required system backup from an archive containing multiple dates.
How often should you back up your system?
The key question is simple: how much recent work could you afford to lose if you had to restore the last backup? The more data changes each day, the shorter the interval between backups should be.
| Computer use | Suggested plan | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Personal or infrequently used computer | One-time, semi-annual or annual | The main priority is to have a complete system backup available. |
| Standard business workstation | Monthly or weekly | More frequent backups reduce the amount of recent work potentially lost. |
| Business-critical workstation | Weekly | Applications and working files change frequently. |
| Critical server / accounting system | Individually planned, daily or more often if needed | Database consistency and recovery objectives must be agreed in advance. |
Backup plans and prices
Every price shown is for one completed full system backup of one computer — not a monthly subscription fee.
The schedule determines how often a backup is made. CS-Cart calculates the final order amount and VAT based on the selected service option.
| Backup schedule | Per backup, excl. VAT | Per backup, incl. VAT | Archive retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every week | 30€ | 36,30€ | 3 months |
| Every month | 50€ | 60,50€ | 6 months |
| Every quarter | 89€ | 107,69€ | 12 months |
| Every six months | 120€ | 145,20€ | 12 months |
| Once a year | 156,20€ | 189€ | 12 months |
| One-time backup | 156,20€ | 189€ | As agreed at the time of ordering |
Contract duration: weekly, monthly, quarterly and semi-annual plans are subject to a 12-month agreement. Backup dates and the actual schedule are agreed in advance.
How long are earlier backups retained?
Weekly backup archives are retained for 3 months; monthly archives for 6 months; and quarterly, semi-annual and annual archives for 12 months. When a recurring service agreement ends, the latest system backup is additionally retained for another 3 years. The retention period for a one-time backup is agreed when ordering.
View estimated costs over 12 months
Figures are based on the stated number of backups; actual charges depend on the agreed schedule and the number of backups performed.
| Plan | Backups per 12 months | Total incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | 1 887,60€ |
| Monthly | 12 | 726€ |
| Quarterly | 4 | 430,76€ |
| Semi-annual | 2 | 290,40€ |
| Annual | 1 | 189€ |
Local storage installation and any additional equipment required are not included in plan prices.
↑ Return to the beginningRecovery and additional service prices
| Service | Price | What is included? |
|---|---|---|
| Full system recovery | 30€ + VAT | Standard recovery at iT5 premises. A replacement drive, hardware adaptation and non-standard work are not included. |
| Selected file recovery | 15€ + VAT | Retrieve selected documents from an existing backup without restoring the complete system. |
| On-site technician visit in Vilnius | 50€ + VAT | Call-out charge, additional to the selected service. |
| Critical server recovery plan | Quoted individually | Scope and pricing are agreed according to the server, applications, databases and urgency of the work. |
Recovery service priority
Standard recovery work is performed during agreed business hours. Priority response, out-of-hours assistance or an individual business recovery plan can be arranged in advance for critical systems.
24/7 availability and guaranteed response or recovery times are not included in standard plans; such commitments require a separate agreement.
How is the service delivered?
Bring your computer to iT5
We create a full system backup, verify its integrity and store it according to the agreed plan. You do not need to buy a separate drive.
An iT5 technician visits your premises
System backup work is performed at the agreed location. A visit within Vilnius costs an additional 50€ + VAT.
Scheduled backups for businesses
We agree on a schedule and, when necessary, set up local storage and additional backup storage in iT5 Cloud. Equipment and installation are quoted separately.
Where technically feasible, we schedule recurring backups to minimise disruption to daily work. Active databases and servers require procedures appropriate to their operation.
Why should backups also be stored separately?
A local file server, network storage device or permanently connected external drive is convenient for everyday use. However, if an infected computer has permission to modify files in shared folders, malware may also affect the data and backups stored there.
Separate storage in iT5 Cloud provides an additional recovery option when the local network or hardware becomes unavailable.
Encrypted backups
Backups are protected by encryption.
Secure transfer
Encrypted connections are used when transferring data.
Access control
Restricted access, authentication and additional security safeguards are applied.
Backup verification
The technical integrity of each created backup is checked.
Archive with multiple restore points
Choose a system state from before a detected fault or software problem.
Separate storage location
Backups are stored independently of the customer’s on-site working equipment.
Practical quality assurance. Over the years, iT5 specialists have successfully completed hundreds of full system recoveries. Additional test restores can be arranged separately for critical workstations and servers.
Real-life cases from iT5 experience
These cases are presented anonymously, without disclosing customer names or details that could identify their IT infrastructure.
Restoring an accounting system after a system drive failure
The system drive in an e-commerce company’s accounting server failed. Full system backups had been created daily and stored separately within the iT5 backup environment.
We restored a full system backup onto a replacement drive, delivered the prepared drive to the company, installed it and verified the operation of the most important applications.
Outcome: the recovery work took several hours. Before the next business day began, the accounting system’s working environment was restored, enabling the company to resume order processing.
Ransomware attack: when local backups could no longer help
Another e-commerce company had approximately ten employee computers and a shared file server on its network. Employees had persistent access to shared folders used for documents and some computer backups.
One morning, the company discovered a widespread ransomware attack affecting both employee computers and the file server. Local files and some backups had been encrypted and were inaccessible. The existing RAID arrays and antivirus protection did not stop this particular incident.
How could this happen? If a computer has permission to modify files in shared folders on a server, malware operating with those permissions may also affect those files. RAID does not reverse encryption or deletion of data.
What made recovery possible? Separate system backup copies stored in iT5 Cloud were unaffected by the incident on the customer’s local network and remained available for recovery.
Outcome: Using those separately stored backups, we recovered critical data and restored the operation of the essential accounting system. Within one day, the company was able to resume its key business processes and continue fulfilling e-commerce orders.
Not all ransomware attacks behave in the same way. Attackers may encrypt accessible files and demand payment, but paying a ransom does not guarantee that the data will be recovered.
iT5 advice: protect your important documents, even for free
Our aim is not only to offer a service, but also to help you avoid losing valuable work. If you do not yet have a dedicated backup solution, start with a simple habit: save an additional copy of an important document after making significant changes.
This is especially useful when writing a book, preparing a thesis, drafting a lengthy contract or working on any document that would take considerable time to recreate.
An easy way to get started
For personal, non-confidential documents, you can use a separate Google account: email a copy to yourself through Gmail or upload it to Google Drive. A free account may include up to 15 GB of shared storage across Drive, Gmail and Photos, depending on the account’s terms.
Save files under different names or include the date in the filename. Protect important accounts with two-factor authentication, and never keep the only backup of a document on the same computer.
For confidential company documents, customer information and personal data, use storage approved by your organisation and follow GDPR and internal security requirements. A simple cloud copy of a document is not a replacement for a full Windows system backup.
Why entrust backups to specialists?
In our experience, many people could back up their documents themselves, but struggle to find the time. They must decide what to save, when to do it, where to keep copies and how to verify them. After work, they want to rest; during the day, preparing backups takes time away from their main responsibilities.
A full system backup protects the entire agreed work environment on the backed-up disk in a single operation. There is no need to hunt down application settings, gather files from dozens of folders or rebuild an environment that has already been carefully configured.
Detailed comparison of 26 practical scenarios
RAID arrays, local full system backups, files manually copied to USB media and an archive stored separately in iT5 Cloud serve different purposes. Choose a topic below to explore all the scenarios included in our V8 service specification.
This comparison reflects typical characteristics of each approach. Actual recovery options depend on the backups available, their dates, how they were stored and which data has survived.
A. Drives, Windows and applications 5 scenarios
A single HDD or SSD fails
RAID array
A fault-tolerant RAID configuration may allow work to continue.
Local full system backup
Restores the system onto a suitable drive.
Standard USB file backup
Restores the files that were copied.
iT5 Cloud
Restores the complete Windows work environment preserved on the backup date.
Windows will not start
RAID array
The damaged Windows state remains.
Local full system backup
Restore an earlier system state.
Standard USB file backup
Windows must be installed separately.
iT5 Cloud
Restore a working Windows system from an earlier date.
A Windows update fails
RAID array
RAID also preserves unsuccessful changes.
Local full system backup
Return to the state before the update.
Standard USB file backup
Only the copied documents are preserved.
iT5 Cloud
Restore the earlier Windows, application and settings configuration.
A drive is accidentally formatted
RAID array
RAID does not protect against logical deletion.
Local full system backup
Restore the system as it was when backed up.
Standard USB file backup
Recover separately saved files.
iT5 Cloud
Restore the full backed-up system and its data.
RAID controller or motherboard failure
RAID array
The array may require additional recovery work.
Local full system backup
Restore onto other suitable hardware.
Standard USB file backup
Recover the saved files.
iT5 Cloud
Restore onto an identical or compatible replacement computer.
B. Documents, applications and databases 5 scenarios
Documents are accidentally deleted
RAID array
The deletion is reflected in the RAID array.
Local full system backup
Restore an earlier document version.
Standard USB file backup
Recover the document if it was copied.
iT5 Cloud
Retrieve the document from a backup of the selected date.
A document is overwritten by mistake
RAID array
Does not provide version history on its own.
Local full system backup
Return to an older version of the file.
Standard USB file backup
Only if an older version was saved on the USB device.
iT5 Cloud
Select the earlier document from the archive.
Application settings become corrupted
RAID array
RAID does not roll them back.
Local full system backup
Restore the saved application environment.
Standard USB file backup
Usually only files are backed up.
iT5 Cloud
Restore the application, its settings and the data saved when the backup was created.
An accounting database becomes corrupted
RAID array
RAID does not restore an earlier logical database state.
Local full system backup
Restore from a backup created using an application-compatible method.
Standard USB file backup
A basic file copy is generally not sufficient.
iT5 Cloud
Restore the backed-up database state using the agreed recovery procedure.
Data from several weeks ago is needed
RAID array
RAID does not provide historical versions on its own.
Local full system backup
Use a local archive containing backups from multiple dates.
Standard USB file backup
Older versions must have been saved separately.
iT5 Cloud
Choose the required restore point from a multi-date archive.
C. Malware, cyberattacks and unwanted changes 4 scenarios
Ransomware encrypts files
RAID array
RAID does not undo encryption.
Local full system backup
Use an earlier system backup.
Standard USB file backup
A disconnected USB backup preserves the files it contains.
iT5 Cloud
Restore an earlier system and data state from the archive.
An infection is discovered later
RAID array
RAID only retains the current state.
Local full system backup
Backups from several dates can help.
Standard USB file backup
An earlier disconnected backup can help.
iT5 Cloud
Choose a backup from before the identified incident period.
System settings are changed without authorisation
RAID array
RAID also retains incorrect settings.
Local full system backup
Restore the previous work environment.
Standard USB file backup
Ordinary file backups usually do not include all system settings.
iT5 Cloud
Restore Windows, applications and earlier settings.
Work files are missing or damaged
RAID array
RAID alone cannot restore historical versions.
Local full system backup
Retrieve the required files from the backup.
Standard USB file backup
Recover whatever was previously copied.
iT5 Cloud
Restore files from the selected backup.
D. Fire, theft and incidents at business premises 5 scenarios
A computer is stolen
RAID array
RAID located inside the computer is lost with it.
Local full system backup
Survives if stored on another local device that was not stolen.
Standard USB file backup
Survives if the USB device was kept elsewhere.
iT5 Cloud
Restore the backed-up system onto a compatible replacement computer.
A fire breaks out at the business premises
RAID array
Local RAID equipment may be destroyed.
Local full system backup
A local backup in the same building may also be lost.
Standard USB file backup
Survives only if stored at a different location.
iT5 Cloud
An off-site system backup allows the entire work environment to be recovered.
The building is flooded
RAID array
All local drives may be damaged.
Local full system backup
Local backup storage may also be affected.
Standard USB file backup
An off-site copy can help.
iT5 Cloud
The system backup is stored separately and can be used to restore a computer.
A power incident damages several devices
RAID array
RAID does not protect against every common-cause failure.
Local full system backup
Can help if the backup storage survives.
Standard USB file backup
Files on a disconnected device may survive.
iT5 Cloud
Restore the entire backed-up system state.
The business has to operate from another office
RAID array
The RAID array must be physically relocated or recovered.
Local full system backup
The local backup must be accessed and transferred.
Standard USB file backup
Saved documents can be carried to the new site.
iT5 Cloud
Restore workstations at the new location from the cloud backups.
E. Recovery scope and speed 7 scenarios
The drive is replaced in the same computer
RAID array
For a functioning RAID array, this is routine maintenance.
Local full system backup
Restore the full backup onto the new drive.
Standard USB file backup
Windows and applications would need to be reinstalled.
iT5 Cloud
Restore the complete system to its original computer, matching the backed-up state.
An identical replacement PC is available
RAID array
RAID does not function as an independent operating system backup.
Local full system backup
Restore the system backup onto the replacement computer.
Standard USB file backup
Only documents can be restored.
iT5 Cloud
Restore the Windows, applications, settings and data environment from separate storage.
A compatible, newer computer is available
RAID array
RAID does not provide system migration by itself.
Local full system backup
Possible with the necessary adaptation work.
Standard USB file backup
Usually limited to file transfer.
iT5 Cloud
Restore the full environment, adapting drivers and licences as needed.
Only one document is needed
RAID array
Only the surviving current version is available.
Local full system backup
Retrieve the document from the backup.
Standard USB file backup
Open the document from the USB device.
iT5 Cloud
Provide the document without restoring the entire system.
A system state from an earlier date is needed
RAID array
RAID cannot do this without separate backups.
Local full system backup
Possible when the local archive includes version history.
Standard USB file backup
An older saved version is required.
iT5 Cloud
Choose the desired date from the available multi-date archive.
The fastest possible local recovery is important
RAID array
A functioning fault-tolerant RAID array may sometimes avoid downtime.
Local full system backup
Local backups generally offer the fastest restoration.
Standard USB file backup
Suitable for recovering a small number of files only.
iT5 Cloud
The entire system can be restored; speed depends on transfer rates and hardware.
The internet connection is down, but local equipment is intact
RAID array
Local RAID can be used without internet access.
Local full system backup
Local backups remain accessible.
Standard USB file backup
USB storage works without internet access.
iT5 Cloud
Restoring from the cloud requires connectivity or a backup obtained in advance.
RAID is not a backup. Fault-tolerant RAID can reduce the impact of certain drive failures, but it does not preserve earlier Windows or data states by itself. RAID 0 offers no tolerance to a single drive failure. Accidental deletion, incorrect settings and malicious encryption can also affect RAID arrays.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as backing up documents?
No. A full system backup can include Windows, applications, their settings, the user environment and data on the backed-up drive. A document backup only protects selected files.
Will my familiar working environment return if I restore onto the same computer?
This is the primary use case: a suitable full backup restores the Windows environment, applications, settings and included data as they existed on the backup date. Some accounts or software licences may require renewed verification.
Can a computer be restored after theft or fire?
If a suitable backup is stored separately, the system can be recovered onto an identical or technically compatible replacement computer. Additional adjustments may be required.
Can I recover my Outlook emails?
If the necessary local email archives and data files were on the backed-up drive, copies from an earlier date can be restored. Some email data, such as synchronised mailboxes, may also be downloaded again from the mail server.
Why is a backup so important for writers and other creators?
An earlier document version may save a manuscript that took a long time to write. In our work, iT5 has helped writers recover lost texts on several occasions.
Why is RAID not enough?
RAID provides tolerance to certain drive failures but does not independently retain earlier system and file states. Separate backups are needed to recover from encryption, deletion and incorrect changes.
If our company has a file server or NAS, why do we need a separate backup?
If an infected computer can modify files in shared folders, malware may also affect backups stored there. A separately stored backup provides another route to recovery after an incident on the local network.
Do I need to bring my own external drive?
No, not when you bring your computer to iT5 for backup. Equipment for recurring backups at the customer’s premises is selected and priced separately.
Will my saved passwords and sign-ins always work?
Saved sign-ins are usually restored on the same computer, but some online services, two-factor authentication systems, VPNs or software licences may require you to sign in or verify access again.
Can you recover just one document?
Yes. We can retrieve selected documents from an available backup without restoring the entire system. The standard charge is 15€ + VAT.
Will backups interrupt my work?
Where technically feasible, we arrange scheduled backups around the company’s working hours to minimise disruption to normal tasks.
Can I get urgent help outside business hours?
Priority response and out-of-hours work can be arranged for critical systems. Availability, pricing and response times are defined in an individual agreement.
How is a backup checked?
After a full system backup is created, we perform a technical integrity check. A practical test restoration can be arranged separately for critical systems.
How long are backups kept?
Weekly backups are retained for 3 months, monthly for 6 months, and quarterly, semi-annual and annual backups for 12 months. After a recurring agreement ends, the latest backup is kept for an additional 3 years. Retention for one-time backups is agreed when ordering.
Are standard plans suitable for servers and databases?
Our standard service is designed for Windows workstations. Windows Server, active databases and Linux systems are assessed as separate projects with individually planned procedures.
How do I get started?
1
Choose a plan. We discuss how old a restore point could be acceptable and how frequently your working data changes.
2
Agree on the backup scope. We identify which drives and partitions must be included.
3
Verify and protect. We create the backup and check its technical integrity.
4
Store according to your plan. We follow the agreed schedule, retention period and storage arrangements.
5
Recover when needed. We restore the saved work environment or selected documents.
Your working environment is often worth more than the computer itself
A computer can be replaced, but rebuilding years of software configuration and familiar workflows without a backup can take many hours of work. With 23 years of IT experience and hundreds of successful recoveries, iT5 offers a service grounded in the same practices we use on our own computers.
Available backup plans and the final purchase price can be found on this CS-Cart product page, alongside the standard product options.
View plans and prices ↑