One of the most requested features in the previous generation of MediaSmart Servers, the EX485 & 487, was the ability to perform a "full restore" from Time Machine backups stored on the server.  See, the previous models allowed you to complete backups, but accessing and restoring was a little trickier... with easy "full restore" capability an impossibility.

Now, with the newest of the breed, the EX495, you can complete a full restore from Time Machine backups stored on your MediaSmart Server.  There's a few extra steps involved, but they're very simple - and well worth it! 

Note: You will need a Mac OS X installation disk and enough space on your server to store the backup for these steps to be successful.

Step 1: Enable & Create a Time Machine Share

The MSS can create a backup file for each one of your Macs, and this is done through the Preference Pane in your System Preferences that is devoted to the server. 

Note: You must have the MSS Mac software installed to see this option.

You will want to click on the Backup tab, then choose a size for your backup file (it will automatically fill in with a "recommended" size) and click the gear icon to select the "Create" option.  The creation should only take a few moments.

Step 2: Set Time Machine Preferences and Perform Initial Backup

Typically, the new Time Machine "drive" you created will mount automatically, and Time Machine will intelligently respond by popping up a dialog box prompting you if you would like to use the aforementioned location as your backup disk.

If this box doesn't pop up automatically, don't fret.  All you need to do is open the Time Machine preferences and click the "Select Disk" button, which will present you with your MSS backup disk as a selectable option.  Also ensure that Time Machine is turned "on" via the giant switch you see to the left.  A backup will start in a few minutes, or if you're ultra-impatient like I am, you can start it immediately.

The initial backup will take quite some time, so grab a cup of coffee or a newspaper or something and kick back.  Of course, Time Machine works in the background, and if you have a newer machine it won't slow down your system too terribly; as such, you can most likely continue to use your Mac while the backup completes.

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