Can I retrieve a previous version of a file I have saved over?

[kitprojects]

Hi all, I have just pressed Save and closed out of a document then realised that I saved over top of an existing document rather than saved it as a new one. So now the original document has gone.

From the properties information, I can see that there have been 5 previous versions of the document (all in the last 24 hours), does anyone know if, or how I can retieve any of them? Ideally using a free method?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Ian]

Welcome to the forums

Are you using Windows 7? If so, you may be in luck by using this method:

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/1113...sions-of-files-in-every-edition-of-windows-7/

 

[kitprojects]

Thanks for that link it has great information, but sadly it hasn't quite solved my problem. I'm using Windows Vista Home Premium 2007, but when I open the Explorer window, right-click on a file I am trying to retrieve an earlier version of, I don't get the option to select “Restore Previous Versions.” The only options in the dropdown box are: "Explore, Open, Edit, New, Print, Open with..., Share, Scan with Virus Protection, Virus vault, Send to, Cut, Copy, Create shortcut, Delete, Rename, Properties".
If I click on the properties option the only tabs I get are "General, Security, Custom, Details". "Previous versions" is not showing up at all.
Does anone know how I can locate this?

 

[Ian]

Unfortunately the previous versions feature only works in the Ultimate, Business and Enterprise editions of Windows Vista .

If it's an old document, it's also unlikely that you'll be able to find a temp file anywhere with the information in it. You could try some data recovery software like Recuva (free), but I think the data will be long gone by now . Other than that, your only hope would be backups.

 

[kitprojects]

Hi, thanks very much for your help.
The document isn't old, I created it about 36 hours ago and only saved over it about 18 hours, and I haven't shut down since then. I'll have a look at Recuva, otherwise it looks like a retype.
Thanks again.