Restore Backup Files

How to Restore Backup Files in Vista​

   Information

This will show you how to restore backed up versions of files, that have been lost, damaged, or changed accidentally, made from the Backup Files feature in Vista. You can restore individual files, groups of files, or all files that you have backed up. For more information, see: Windows Help and How-to: Back up and Restore: FAQs

   Note

Backups are saved in this format: (backup location)\(computer name)\Backup Set (year-month-day) (time)

• If the backup was done on Local Disk D: at 9/7/2007 1:00:50 PM (It uses 24 hour time), then the full backup file path would be: D:\Computer\Backup Set 2007-09-07 130050
• You would right click the folder Backup Set 2007-09-07 130050 and click Delete to delete that backup.

Here's How:

1. Open the Control Panel. (Classic View)​

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2. Click on the Backup and Restore Center icon.​

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3. Click on the Restore Files button. (See screenshot below)​

NOTE: To restore a backup not shown here, click Advanced restore instead and click Advanced restore (Restore files from a backup made on another computer).​

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4. Dot what you want to restore, latest or older backup files, and click on Next. (See screenshot below)​

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5. Select the Backup files to restore and click on Next. (See screenshot below)​

NOTE: This will be from the backup file that you selected in step 4. If it is not here, then click Search to navigate to the backup files location.​

A) To Remove the Selected Backup Click on the Remove button.​

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B) To Remove All the Backups Listed Here ​

NOTE: Click on the Remove all button.​

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6. Select where you want to restore the files to and click on Start Restore. (See screenshot below)​

NOTE: Normally you would pick Original Location to replace the files with the backup files. Otherwise, you can save the backup files to another location to manually replace the files you want with the backups.​

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7. You will now see the progress window. (See screenshot below)​

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8. If you already have a copy or older copy of the file in that location from step 6, then you will see this window below. If not, then you will see step 9 below.​

A) Just click on Copy and Replace to replace the file with the backup copy of the file. (See screenshot below)​

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9. When the restore is completed, you will see this window. Click on Finish. (See screenshot below)​

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That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Restore the Complete Computer from a Complete Backup and Restore Image in Vista
• How to Backup Files with Optional Automatic Backups in Vista
• How to Do a System Restore in Vista
• How to Restore Previous Versions of a File and Folder in Vista
• How to Backup and Restore Messages in Windows Mail
• How to Reset the Last Backup Listing for Vista Complete PC Backup
• How to Reset the Last Backup Listing for Vista Back Up Files
• How to Enable or Disable Backup Status and Configuration in Vista
• How to Backup Specific Files in Vista Like NT Backup in XP
• How to Manually Extract Files from a Backup in Vista and Windows 7

 

[JoeShMoe]

What the hell... I got 2 backups now...! One in the C: drive and now another in the D: drive!!! What's going on here!??? *pulling out hair*

 

[Brink]

If you deleted any part of the old backup, then you might as well delete it all since it will no longer be able to be retored since it is not complete.

 

[JoeShMoe]

I've tried to delete it but... it won't allow me too... and is there anyway to salvage anything from the old backup file (i.e. pictures, programs, documents, etc.)???

 

[Brink]

If you are unable to open the VHD as described above, then there is no way to recover it.

You will need to open all folders and subfolders in the backup folder first and grant permission as you go before it will let you delete it.

 

[JoeShMoe]

So what your saying is that...I have to go...file to file to delete this messed up "backup" file??? Dang that bites...

is there some way that I can override the system so that I can just delete without having to ask permission? someway to take "ownership" when it comes administrating?

what is the benefit of having this permission junk anyways... it's so annoying!

 

[Brink]

Nar, you do not have to delete them one by one. Instead you must open each folder one by one and grant permission for access when prompted. Afterwards, you can just right click on the backup folder (See note box at top of tutorial) and delete it all at once. The problem is that if you did not open and grant permission with all folders first, then it denies you the ability to delete the backup folder since one of the subfolders has not been granted permission by you yet by opening it.

 

[JoeShMoe]

so far so good... there are some files that I can't seem to delete off the old back up... They won't grant me permission... Which in turn won't allow me to delete the entire old back up file... I guess i'm stuck. I think... What should I do Guru Brink? Got any solutions?

 

[Brink]

Joe,

Well, you can try and use the program Unlocker on the file to see if you may be able to delete it afterwards.

 

[JoeShMoe]

The back in my D: has been successfully deleted. Thank God. But, the one in my C: drive is still giving me trouble... It won't allow me permission to delete... something about ActiveX something something... I don't know.

alright... just downloaded the unlocker... now what? crap... it's not working...?? wtf?! nev mind... I see it on the bottom right corne of the screen. LOL

fudge!... it didn't work... now what?

 

[Brink]

The back in my D: has been successfully deleted. Thank God. But, the one in my C: drive is still giving me trouble... It won't allow me permission to delete... something about ActiveX something something... I don't know.

alright... just downloaded the unlocker... now what? crap... it's not working...?? wtf?! nev mind... I see it on the bottom right corne of the screen. LOL

fudge!... it didn't work... now what?

Ok, try taking ownership of it and all sub files and folders, then "Allow" your user account "Full Control" of it to see if you can delete it afterwards. If not then you might try doing this in Safe Mode or using the built-in Administrator account.

 

[mykidsmom]

Shawn, Hi when I restored my vista back to factory settings, it backed up my files first. Do I use this tutorial to retrieve them? Will there be drivers and such for my wireless and such, or is that something different? Hope you understand what I am asking.

Melinda remember I am a baby when it comes to computers.

 

[Brink]

Hi Melinda,

Sorry, but no. Instead you would have to use the "Gateway Recovery Center" (Start Menu - All Programs) to restore the backed up files with.

 

[mykidsmom]

Hi Melinda,

Sorry, but no. Instead you would have to use the "Gateway Recovery Center" (Start Menu - All Programs) to restore the backed up files with.

thanks I will give it a try later, taking a brake from it right now

 

[JoeShMoe]

I tried to take ownership but... for some reason it still doesn't allow me to delete the backup found in C: drive...? what gives... Oh... and the files on there are from the original programs you get when you first install windows... if that helps.

 

[Brink]

Are you using the Backup feature in Vista? It will not backup to the C: drive. Is this the Windows.old folder instead?

 

[JoeShMoe]

Well... I found that file after... Mmm... What do you call it when you erase everything and reload windows on your computer from... some what of a DOS like setting. You know, you press F2 before the thing loads up and a menu pops up. Yea... that spot. Anywho... While I was there they had options I could choose from... So I choose the one that would "backup" my old files... So... I guess that's how it got there... God knows best. HELP!

 

[Brink]

Joe,

It sounds like that was a OEM "Recovery Manager" screen that you entered. If you have a store bought computer, say a HP computer for example, then there should be a "HP Recovery Manager" type program in your Start Menu. It should have an option in it to delete that backup.

 

[TMacGregor]

I have followed these instructions. However the files on the backup disk are all zipped. Have been unable to get them unzipped.

 

[Brink]

Hello TMacGregor, and welcome to Vista Forums.

You will not be able to restore those backup files using this tutorial unless they were created using the Backup Files (click here) feature in Vista. Is this what may be wrong?

 

[woutervd]

Hi

when trying to restore backup (full backup made by windows backup centre on a external drive) i receive the message the location of the backup files is not available, hwever i can see them on my external drive.

please advice

thanks in advance

Wouter