Below are two different sets of instructions documenting how to restore a database so documents can be recovered from that restored database. If you choose to restore the database to a different server, then follow the set of instructions in Recovering a Database by Restoring to a Different Domino server. If you choose to restore the database to a different directory under the current Domino® server, then follow the set of instructions in Recovering a Database by Restoring to a Different Directory under the Data Directory of an Active Server. Both sets of instructions are designed to guide you in the recovery process of the database. Whichever set of instructions you follow, you should read those instructions in their entirety before attempting the restore.
Restoring to a different server, while a little more time consuming to set up, may be marginally safer than restoring the database to the same server, but a different directory under the data directory. There is less of a chance of an inadvertent mistake causing you problems on the active server when restoring to a completely different Domino server. Restoring to the same server, but a different directory under that Domino server, is much quicker to set up, and if no mistakes are made, can be as safe as the option for restoring to a different server. If you are still unsure, read both sets of instructions and then choose which one you want to try.