Recover Permissions from Snapshot
The Recover Permissions from Snapshot action is used to restore previously captured permissions from a defined snapshot in your SharePoint Online environment. This operation is valuable for reverting permissions to a specific state, ensuring consistent and secure access control. This is also where you can go to compare current permissions with permissions in a previous snapshot.
You can access “Recover Permissions” via the DeliverPoint dashboard → Actions Menu → Snapshot Management → Recover Permissions.
Fields in View for Defining the Scope
- Scope Type: Specifies the type of scope you are working within, such as Site, List/Library, or Folder/Item.
- Scope Name: Indicates the name of the selected scope for which permissions recovery is being performed.
List of Available Snapshots
Below the scope fields, you will see a list of all snapshots available for recovery, containing the following fields:
- Id: Unique identifier for each snapshot.
- Name: The name given to the snapshot during creation (refer to the Take Snapshot documentation for details).
- Scope: The scope for which the snapshot was taken.
- Shared: Indicates whether the snapshot is shared, based on the "Is Shared?" setting from the snapshot creation.
- Created: The date the snapshot was taken.
- Created By: The user who created the snapshot.
To proceed, select the checkbox next to a snapshot. This will reveal the Operation Details menu below.
Operation Details Menu
The Operation Details menu provides options to customize the recovery:
- Process Subsites (checkbox): Check this box if you want to recover permissions for unique subsites within the selected scope. If this option is disabled, it means the snapshot does not contain subsite permissions.
- Process Lists (checkbox): Check this box if you want to recover permissions for unique lists in the selected scope. If disabled, the snapshot does not contain these permissions.
- Process List/Folder Items (checkbox): Check this box if you want to recover permissions for unique items within lists or folders in the selected scope. If disabled, the snapshot does not include item-level permissions.
Options at the Bottom of the Menu
You can choose from the following actions:
Compare Permissions:
- Selecting this option will display additional menus within the same window, showing any detected changes:
- Assigned Unique Permissions Changes: Lists changes in role assignments for unique objects, if any.
- Permissions Inheritance Changes: Displays modifications in permission inheritance.
Recover Permissions:
- This option restores the permissions settings to match those saved in the snapshot.
Remove:
- This action deletes the selected snapshot.
Actions Menu and Status Details
Once you initiate an action, an Actions menu appears at the bottom of the interface, providing status updates and messages about the recovery operation. You will be able to see:
- Status: Indicates whether the recovery operation is successful or ongoing.
- Date: Shows when the recovery action started.
- Message: Provides details about the progress and outcome of the operation.
These updates inform you about the recovery process and confirm whether permissions are being accurately reinstated.
Important Note
Ensure that you select the correct snapshot and scope before initiating recovery. Using the wrong snapshot or scope may result in incorrect permissions being applied, potentially causing security issues.
Tip
Use the Compare Permissions option to review any differences before proceeding with recovery. This step ensures that no unintended changes are made to your permissions structure. If you are working in a shared administrative environment, coordinate with your team to determine whether recovering from a shared snapshot is necessary or if individual recovery is preferable.