Abstract: A system for intelligently managing data in the archival and restoration processes of computer workstations located in a computer network. The system allows quicker, smaller back-ups of the computer network while facilitating the restoration process. The system identifies redundant data found in a pre-determined number of the computer workstations and copies them to a common storage area located on a high-speed storage medium. Placeholders are then placed into the archive file of any workstation that contained the redundant data. The system also identifies unique data present on the computer workstations and places them in the archive file as is the conventional practice. The system also provides, as part of an Inclusion/Exclusion Engine, intelligent rules for MIS personnel on the server-level to exclude files and directories deemed unique garbage and to include files deemed critical data in the archival process.