Abstract: A method and system for backing up and restoring a virtual file system are described herein. In an environment in which multiple unrelated applications exchange data through a paste memory element through the use of the virtual file system, a master application from the multiple unrelated applications can be used, and the master application may be solely responsible for backing up the virtual file system. When the master application is deactivated, a snapshot of the virtual file system can be generated. The snapshot of the virtual file system can be stored in a memory location that is associated with the master application. When the master application is launched, it can be determined whether the virtual file system is inoperable. If so, the snapshot of the virtual file system can be retrieved from the memory location, and the virtual file system can be re-established based on the retrieved snapshot.