Shadow Copy
About Shadow Copy
Shadow Copy allows users to restore files in folders they control. Unlike other backup methods, Shadow Copy can restore files in a matter of seconds and does not require the intervention of system administrators. Shadow Copy can restore data when:
- A file is accidentally deleted.
- A file is accidentally overwritten, as when users forget to choose Save As.
- A file becomes corrupted.
- The user saves an unintended change.
Shadow Copy can also be used merely to view older versions of files and folders and track recent changes. It saves a limited number of versions of files, making a record of changes a user can view.
Restoring Files
You can use Shadow Copy to restore files in any folder to which you have Modify access - that is, any folder whose contents you can alter.
- Navigate to the folder in which the deleted file had been stored.
- Right-click the file you wish to restore and select Properties from the bottom of the menu. Select the Previous Versions tab.
- Select a previous version of the file, and then click View.
- Examine the file. Is this the previous version you needed?
- To copy this file, leaving the newer version intact, click Copy.
- To restore this file, replacing the newer version completely, click Restore.
Restoring Folders
You can also use Shadow Copy to restore an entire folder to its previous state.
- Navigate to the folder you'd like to restore.
- Right-click a blank area in the folder and select Properties from the bottom of the menu. Select the Previous Versions tab.
- Select a previous version of the folder, and then click View.
- Examine the folder. Is this the previous version you needed?
- To copy this folder, leaving the newer version intact, click Copy.
- To restore this folder, replacing the newer version completely, click Restore.
Once you've completed these steps, Shadow Copy will copy the file from the selected backup version to your current folder.