> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/knowledge-base/how-to-articles/restore-a-devolutions-server-instance.md).

# Restore a devolutions server instance

Restoring a Devolutions Server instance as part of a disaster recovery procedure requires the following steps.

### 1. Gather required resources

Ensure the following prerequisites are available:

* A Devolutions Server administrator account with Devolutions Server authentication enabled.
* A complete backup file to restore. See [Backup manager](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/web-interface/administration/backup/backup-manager/) for instructions on creating backups. Ensure the backup password is stored securely.
* A local or accessible SQL Server instance (SQL Server Express edition is also supported).

### 2. Install required components

If not already installed, download and install the following:

* The [Devolutions Server management console](https://devolutions.net/server/download/).
* The current [Devolutions Server offline installation ZIP file](https://devolutions.net/server/download/previous-versions/).
* The latest versions of [ASP.NET Core Runtime and .NET Desktop Runtime](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download).
* [Microsoft Edge WebView2](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/webview2/consumer).
* Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) and the following IIS modules:
  * [URL Rewrite](https://www.iis.net/downloads/microsoft/url-rewrite).
  * [Application Request Routing](https://www.iis.net/downloads/microsoft/application-request-routing).

### 3. Generate a recovery kit

Using the Devolutions Server Console, [generate a recovery kit](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/devolutions-server-console/recovery-kit/).

Choose a secure password for the encryption keys. The recovery kit ZIP file (located by default in ***C:\Users\Administrator\Documents\DVLS Recovery Kit***) contains the following required files:

* `EncryptionKeys.bin`
* `server_install.json`

Retain these files securely.

### 4. Create a new Devolutions Server instance

Create a new Devolutions Server instance using either:

* The previously downloaded ZIP file.
* The JSON configuration file via the [Devolutions Server Console command line interface](https://docs.devolutions.net/server/kb/knowledge-base/console-command-line-interface/) (available in Devolutions Server management console installation files).


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