How to Pull Data Out of System Restore Files

The Backup and Restore Center is a feature of Windows (Windows 7 and Vista) that allows the user to create an entire image of their hard drive for backup purposes. If you've accidentally deleted a file, you can grab a copy of it from the backed up file or you can restore your entire hard drive, if ever it should fail. The process of selecting files to restore within the backup is quite simple.

Instructions

1. Connect the external hard drive containing your backed up system files to the computer using a USB cable. If your backups are on a CD or DVD, insert those into the disc tray.

2. Open the Windows Start menu and type "backup" into the "Search" box. Click the "Backup and Restore Center" as it appears to launch the utility.

3. Click "Restore my files." Search or browse for the files you wish to pull out of your backup and restore to your main Windows drive. Click "OK" when you have selected the files.

4. Select whether or not you wish to restore the files in their original location or in a new location. Click "Restore" and the files will be copied back to your hard drive.

References

• Microsoft: Recover Lost or Deleted Files
• Microsoft: Previous versions of files: frequently asked questions