Restore a File Using Shadow Copy Service
There's a seldom mentioned service in Windows 7, Vista, and XP that allows you to restore a file to a previous state without having to call your computer administrator and request a restore from backup. This service is called Volume Shadow Copy and the way it works is simple. The service uses Restore Points to save backup copies of files and folders that have been modified since the last restore point was made. You must have System Protection enabled on the drive where the files are stored. You must also have enough free disk space so that restore points can be created on the drive.
To turn on System Protection (Windows 7):
1. Go to the Control Panel and click the System icon (Note: Control Panel must be in Large or Small Icon view to see the System icon)
2. Click the System Protection link.
3. Select the drive where the files are stored and click Configure.
4. Select one of two options: Restore system settings and previous versions of files, or Only restore previous versions of files.
5. Adjust how much disk space to allocate to System Restore by moving the slider. (For most users a setting between 5%-10% should be sufficient).
6. Click OK to close the window.
System Protection needs to run at least a day before Shadow Copy Service will start creating backups. Now suppose you've been working on an Excel document, made several modifications, saved the spreadsheet, then realize a change somewhere is creating errors in the numbers. To restore that file to an earlier state before the changes were made:
1. In Windows Explorer, right click the file you want to restore.
2. Select Properties from the pop-up menu.
3. Go to the Previous Versions tab.
4. You will see a list of earlier copies of the file along with the date the file was backed up. Select the version of the file that you want restored.
The previous version will overwrite the current version, and you will be able to work with it as normal.