Retrieve File From Backup Prior To Windows 10 Update.

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by brbrown, Sep 1, 2016.

  1. brbrown

    brbrown Private E-2

    I have a Dell Desktop computer which was originally had Windows 7. I used to keep regular backups on an external drive. Last year, I updated to Windows 10. Recently though, I realised that before updating to Windows 10, I had accidentally deleted a file that I need. I gather it is possible to restore an individual file from a previous backup but I am unsure how to do this. I am nervous because what I see on screen suggests that the whole system will restore to the previous date. Could someone please assist me in the correct procedure to restore only an individual file please?
     
    brbrown, Sep 1, 2016
    #1
  2. mdonah

    mdonah Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Does the "Windows.old" folder still exist on the "C:\" drive? You might try looking in there using the search function after opening the folder in File Explorer.
     
    mdonah, Sep 1, 2016
    #2
    DavidGP likes this.
  3. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    What is the backup software you used for these old Windows backups? most of them can just be opened like a normal file and then you do a bit of searching.
     
    DavidGP, Sep 1, 2016
    #3
  4. brbrown

    brbrown Private E-2

    Hello mdonah, I can't find the old file on the "C:\" drive but David, the software for the old backups was that which came with Windows 7 and you have given me the clue. I managed to open the contents of the external drive backup without using the Windows 10 backup software and I think I have found the file I need. It's quite lengthy so I need to run through it to be sure. I'll let you know how I get on. Thank you both for your help.
     
    brbrown, Sep 2, 2016
    #4
  5. brbrown

    brbrown Private E-2

    Hello Both. The file is not the one I was looking for. It was an earlier one I didn't need. I managed to search all the backups to no avail. I guess I must have deleted the file between backups. Thanks again for your help anyway.
     
    brbrown, Sep 2, 2016
    #5
  6. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Sorry you didn't find the file you wanted on this occasion. Just one last thought and it may not work at all, but well worth a try and open the last backup you have from Win7 and navigate to the folder you think it was saved in then right click and choose properties and then look for a tab called Previous Versions if you have that look for a date you think that the file was from and open the folder of that date, and see if you can locate the folder. Thing is at times Windows will save a backup of folders and contents during its own system restore process, so you may find that file, its helped a lot of folk out in work this tip.
     
    DavidGP, Sep 2, 2016
    #6
  7. brbrown

    brbrown Private E-2

    No good David but thanks for the tip. You've given me a few pointers to use if it happens again.
     
    brbrown, Sep 3, 2016
    #7

MajorGeeks.Com Menu

Downloads All In One Tweaks \ Android \ Anti-Malware \ Anti-Virus \ Appearance \ Backup \ Browsers \ CD\DVD\Blu-Ray \ Covert Ops \ Drive Utilities \ Drivers \ Graphics \ Internet Tools \ Multimedia \ Networking \ Office Tools \ PC Games \ System Tools \ Mac/Apple/Ipad Downloads

Other News: Top Downloads \ News (Tech) \ Off Base (Other Websites News) \ Way Off Base (Offbeat Stories and Pics)

Social: Facebook \ YouTube \ Twitter \ Tumblr \ Pintrest \ RSS Feeds