How to Find Old Copy Paste Files in Windows XP

There is a method to finding overwritten files and uncovering originals.

If you accidentally copied and pasted over a file that was created in Windows XP, you can get the original back. However, when many people work on several versions of the same document, it can be next to impossible to restore to the version you want back. There is a handy feature you can activate to keep track of a document's various versions. Once it is set up, when you share files, you won't have to worry about who did what, when or how.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP
• Microsoft Office 2003

1. Open the program where you created the file that was overwritten. (Note: You must have the "Versions" option already enabled. If you do not, go to Step 3.).

2. Click "File," click "Versions" and then double-click the version of the file you want to open. (Note: After the file is opened, it will contain the date the version was created at the end of the file name.) If you cannot locate the file, go to Step 3.

3. Locate the backup copy on that was previously saved to separate media on either a CD, DVD or external hard drive. Attach the external hard drive to the computer or insert the CD or DVD into the disk drive.

4. Click "Start," point to "All Programs," "Accessories" and "System Tools," and then click "Back up Your Data."

5. Click "Next," check "Always start in wizard mode" and then click "Advanced Mode."

6. Click "Restore Wizard (Advanced)" and then click the "Restore and Manage Media" tab. (Note: Click "Cancel" to close the Restore Wizard dialog box and to stay on the Manage Media tab.)

7. Click the expansion node of the media containing the old copy and paste files you want to restore and then under "Restore Files to" select "Original location," or "Alternate location" or "Single Folder." (Note: If you select Alternate location or Single folder, you must select then click "Browse" to select the Restore Path and then click "OK.")

8. Click "Start Restore" and click "Advanced."

9. Check "Restore Security" and "Preserve existing volume mount points" if they were unchecked and then click "OK" twice. (Note: If you selected "Original location" for the Restore Path, then also check "Restore junction points and restore file and folder data under junction points to the original location."

Tips & Warnings

• To enable Version control, open the file for which you want to create multiple versions. Click "File" and "Versions," and check "Automatically save a version on close," then click "Save Now." Type descriptive comments text box and then click "OK."

References

• How to Use Backup to Protect Data and Restore Files and Folders On Your Computer in Windows XP and Windows Vista

Resources

• Microsoft Support: Windows XP Solution Center