What problem does it solve? Server administrators often configure backups but never verify them, and shared storage across machines remains abstract until built by hand. This Skill walks a learner through creating an Azure Storage account, mounting an Azure Files SMB share from multiple machines, and protecting a VM with a Recovery Services Vault — including performing a real file-level restore to prove the backup works. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Storage Account Provisioning: Create a StorageV2 account with the right redundancy tier (LRS/ZRS/GRS) and access tier using Az PowerShell. - Azure Files SMB Mounting: Create a file share and mount it as a persistent drive letter on a Windows VM, with guidance for port 445 blocking issues. - VM Backup and File-Level Restore: Configure a Recovery Services Vault, run an on-demand backup, delete a file, mount the recovery point, and verify the restored file by hash. - Use Case: An MSSA learner in the Server & Cloud Administration track completes project 7 by backing up their project-#5 VM and restoring a deliberately deleted file, building the restore muscle memory most admins skip. ## Quick Start Ask the Mentor to start the sca-storage-and-backup project and walk you through creating an Azure storage account, mounting an Azure Files share, and restoring a file from a VM backup.
