Windows Vista Shadow Copy « MCPL Tech Notes

Windows Vista Shadow Copy

October 7, 2008 in Advice

I recently discovered the Shadow Copy feature of Window’s Vista through an article in PC World Magazine. It works in conjunction with Windows System Restore to allow users to easily recover files they have accidentally deleted. It works absolutely wonderfully but, sadly, it is only available in Windows Vista Business and Ultimate. Users of the other versions must download another program to access the feature.

If you happen to have the two versions of Vista that include this feature, here is how you use it:

1. Almost every part of Windows is in a folder, including the desktop (in your user account area there is a Desktop folder). Find the folder which contains the file you deleted and right click it.
2. Now, in the menu that appears, you should see “Restore to Previous Version”. If that does not appear here then select properties and then the “Restore to Previous Version” tab.
3. A list then appears with random dates. Click on one and select Open and you’ll see the contents of that folder on that particular date. If you wish to restore the file simply drag and drop it on your desktop. To restore the whole folder to this particular date, select restore while the date is selected.

Those interested in this feature that have the other versions of Windows Vista should check out ShadowExplorer. It’s a bit more cumbersome, but, it’ll give you similar features in Home and Home Premium.