Azure File Restoration

Question

When I try to restore a file using Azure Backup restoration, the drive mounting occurs, but when I try to access the drive that contains my data, I get an "Access Denied" error.

Answer 1

Hi Brad Binkley,

To restore your files, Azure Backup provides a script to run on your VM that connects your recovery point as a local drive. You can browse this local drive, restore files to the VM itself, then disconnect the recovery point.  

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-restore-files-from-vm#step-1-generate-and-download-script-to-browse-and-recover-files

However, you're seeing an "Access Denied" error when you try to open or browse this mounted drive. Troubleshoot Azure VM file recovery - Azure Backup | Microsoft Learn

This usually happens because of insufficient permissions or user access control issues on the temporary mount. Azure Backup uses a secure process, and sometimes, the temporary drive inherits file-level security (NTFS permissions) from the backed-up system. If your current user account doesn't have the required permissions, you'll be blocked from accessing it—even though the drive is mounted successfully.

 

I suggest you check the below steps, to resolve this issue

1.Use “Run as Administrator” Open the Microsoft Azure Recovery Services Agent with elevated privileges (right-click → "Run as administrator"). This gives the necessary system-level access for the restore operation.  

2.Check NTFS Permissions If you're restoring files from a different machine/user context (e.g., from a server where your user account doesn't exist or have access), the NTFS permissions may block your access. You can:

-Take Ownership of the files (right-click folder → Properties → Security → Advanced → Change Owner).

-Then grant full control to your current user or to the "Administrators" group.  

3.Try Restoring to an Alternate Location Instead of accessing the mounted drive directly, choose to restore the files to a specific folder on your local drive during the restore wizard. This often bypasses NTFS permission issues and is the simplest method.

Please check and let us know if you still face any issues or have any additional queries. We are happy to assist.  

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