What is required to restore a vCenter Server Appliance?

Restoring a vCenter Server Appliance involves the need for a backup file from a previous configuration. This backup contains critical information and settings that were saved during a scheduled backup process, which is essential for getting the vCenter Server back to its previous operational state. The backup file will typically encompass configuration data, inventory details, and security settings, thus ensuring that the restored appliance functions as it did before the failure or issue that necessitated the restoration.

Other factors, such as licensing or installation media, are not directly required for the restoration process itself. New licenses for hosts would only be relevant if you are setting up a new environment and not restoring an existing one. Installation media is necessary when initially deploying the appliance but not when restoring it from a backup. Predefined user accounts are part of the configuration within the backup, but they do not directly influence the restoration process, as they are restored alongside the configuration itself.