Restoring Previous Versions of Files and Folders (O Drive)

This KB Article provides the steps to recover or restore previous versions of a file and/or folder on the O:\ drive.
What is Previous Versions? Previous versions are copies of files and folders that Windows automatically saves as part of a restore point. Previous versions are sometimes referred to as shadow copies. FVTC uses this feature to make restore points every day at 7AM and 12PM of our files and folders on the O drive. 

How can I use this feature? Right-click the file or folder, and select 'Restore previous versions'

Utilize Example 1 below to demonstrate recovering a deleted/missing file or folder.
Utilize Example 2 below to demonstrate reverting a file back to a previous version. 

If at anytime you feel uncomfortable following these steps or are unsure, feel free to reach out to our Helpdesk and they can further assist you.

Example 1: You noticed an entire folder or file is missing that you use, such as O:\ExampleDepartment\TeamProject

Step 1. Go to O:\ locate the parent folder ExampleDepartment

Pic1Ex1.png

Step 2. Right click the folder ExampleDepartment select  "Restore previous versions" 

Pic2Ex1.png

Step 3. Pick the time and date of the version you want to go back to.
Step 4. Select OPEN (If you select restore it will replace all files and folders inside of ExampleDepartment)

Pic3Ex1.png

Step 5. You will see a new windows explorer opened to the folder at the restore point (You will see the date in the location bar), find the folder you want to restore TeamProject.
Step 6. Right click the folder TeamProject and select Copy

Pic5Ex1.png

Step 7. Go back to your first windows explorer window you had open and open the folder ExampleDepartment
Step 8. Right click in empty space of that Windows explorer and select paste

Pic6Ex1.png

Step 9. You may now close out of the other windows, you have restored your folder.


Example 2: You are working on an excel document located in  O:\ExampleDepartment\lists.xlsx and want to revert back to a past restore point.

Step 1. Go to O:\ExampleDepartment and locate the lists.xlsx file. 
Step 2. Right click the file lists.xlsx select  "Restore previous versions" 

Pic1Ex2.png

Step 3. Pick the time and date of the version you want to go back to.
Step 4. Select Restore

Pic2Ex2.png

Step 5. Confirm you want to replace the file with the previous version

Pic3Ex2.png

Step 6. You may now close out of the other windows, you have restored your file.


Any questions please contract the Helpdesk for further assistance. 


Keywords:
Restore,file,folder,Groups,backup,versioning,missing,deleted 
Doc ID:
105504
Owned by:
Luke V. in FVTC
Created:
2020-09-01
Updated:
2020-09-03
Sites:
Fox Valley Technical College