How to Recover Files in Windows Vista

Windows Vista comes bundled with the "Back Up Files" wizard, which was developed to make it a breeze to back up all your important data files. It is also bundled with the "Restore Files" wizard to restore your files from back up. Read on to learn how to recover files in Windows Vista from using the "Restore Files" wizard.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Access the Restore Files Wizard

1. 

   Launch the "Restore Files" wizard by clicking on: "Start >> All Programs >> Accessories >> System" tools. This brings up the "Backup Status and Configuration" page.

2. Choose either " Restore Files" or " Advanced Restore," depending on the type of back up from which you are restoring.

3. 

   Select the "Restore Files" button to restore files from a back up you've previously made to your computer.

4. 

   Select the "Advanced Restore" option if you would like to restore all the files you have in back up, or if the files you'd like to restore are backed up on a different computer.

5. Follow the steps in one of the sections below based on your selection.

Perform a Simple Restore Operation

6. 

   Select which files you would like to restore, either files from the latest back up or from an older back up. If you choose to restore from an older back up, this will bring up a list of files that you can choose from. Select the file to restore and click on "Next."

7. 

   If you click "Files From the Latest Backup" you'll be prompted to choose which files or folders to restore. Use either the " Add Files" or "Add Folders" button if you know the name or location of the file you want, otherwise use the "Search" button.

8. Locate and select the file you want in the "Add Files To Restore" window, and click on "Add." Click on "Next."

9. Select the location to which you want to restore your file. By default, you can restore it to the same location it was before, or you can customize and choose a different location. Click on the "Start Restore" button and Windows will restore the file.

Perform an Advanced Restore

10. 

    Once you click on the "Advanced Restore" button, it will open the "User Account Control" dialog box. Respond as promoted, and the " Restore Files (Advanced) " window will open.

11. Select the "Files From the Latest Backup on This Computer" option to restore all the files you have in back up and then click on "Next."

12. 

    Click on "Restore Everything In This Backup" check box. Click on "Next" to complete the restoration operation.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that the option: "Files From a Backup Made on a Different Computer" will only apply for back ups that have been made with Windows Vista’s Back Up Files wizard. In this case, the "Restore Files" wizard will prompt you to indicate the location of the back up.