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If you accidentally delete a file or folder, you can restore a shadow copy of that file or folder using the Previous versions feature in Windows Vista.
Shadow Copy, an useful innovation included in Windows Vista, automatically creates point-in-time copies of files as you work, so you can quickly and easily retrieve versions of a document you may have accidentally deleted.
Recover files using Previous Versions
Open the folder that contained the file or folder that was deleted. The right-click on an empty area on the folder and click Restore previous versions.
Double-click a previous version of the folder that contains the file or folder you want to restore. You need to choose the appropriate version from the list by looking at the date and timestamp.
Select the file or folder that you want to restore, and drag it to to the Desktop or any another folder.
Note: The Previous versions option is available only if you’re running Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, or Windows Vista Ultimate.
Although shadow copies are created from time to time in all editions of Windows Vista, the Previews versions GUI option is available only in the above-mentioned editions of Windows Vista.
SHADOW COPY FOR EXTERNAL DRIVES
You can also enable Shadow Copy for any external volume that is connected to your computer, using these steps:
- Open Control Panel, System and Maintenance, System.
- Click System protection.
- Select the check box for the external drive that you want to protect with Shadow Copy, and then click OK.
ShadowExplorer Utility
For all versions of Windows Vista, you may use the free utility ShadowExplorer to access the Shadow Copy set. ShadowExplorer is an utility which allows you to browse the shadow copies created by the Windows® Vista Volume Shadow Copy Service.
It’s especially thought for users of the home editions, who don’t have access to the shadow copies by default, but it’s also useful for users of the other editions.
Simply select the Shadow Copy set from the drop-down box at the top, and then browse the folders using the navigation pane on the left. Right-click on a file or folder that you want to recover, and click Export.
Select a destination folder where you want to copy the file.
You may find this utility easier than using the built-in Previous versions GUI option to recover a deleted file or folder.
You can download ShadowExplorer from http://www.shadowexplorer.com
IMPORTANT: Shadow Copies are in no way a replacement for regular backups. Shadow Copies are stored in the hard drive and in the event of hard drive failure, you may be unable to access the Shadow Copy set. Using a specialized backup and restore software, and backing up the data to CD or DVD would be more reliable.
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