Which of the following represents a benefit of full data backup?

The benefit of a full data backup is primarily that it can restore all files to a previous state. This type of backup involves creating a complete copy of all selected data at a specific point in time, which means that if data loss occurs, the entire dataset can be restored back to that previous condition. This comprehensive nature of full backups makes them particularly valuable for disaster recovery and ensuring that no important files are lost.

While other options might seem appealing, their merits do not match the foundational benefit represented by the correct choice. For instance, saving time on data recovery can be influenced by various factors, such as the efficiency of the restore process itself, not solely by the nature of a full backup. Additionally, full backups are generally not the fastest method available; incremental or differential backups might offer quicker backup times since they only copy changes made since the last backup. Lastly, the statement about only backing up metadata is misleading and does not relate to full data backups, which capture the complete data set rather than just its metadata.