Recovering Deleted Network Files (Windows Only)

 Note:  To restore files or folders on your own, you must use a computer running the Microsoft Windows operating system. If you are using a macOS computer, you must either contact the IT Service Desk or perform the restore from one of our computer labs equipped with Windows computers.

 Note:  You must be on campus or connected via VPN (Global Protect) in order to perform the file or folder restore.

If you've accidentally deleted a file or folder, don’t panic - accidents happen! The good news is that you now have the ability to restore them on your own without needing to contact the IT Service Desk. Whether it was an important document, a project file, or something you didn’t mean to delete, you can easily restore it with just a few simple steps. 

Step 1: Navigate to the Network Folder

  • Go to the network folder where the deleted file or folder was orgionally located.

Step 2: Access Previous Versions

  • Right-click on the folder that contained the deleted file or folder.
  • Click on Properties.

  • Click on the Previous Versions tab.

  • A list of available backups (snapshots) will appear, categorized by timeframes such as:
    • Today
    • Yesterday
    • Last week
    • Earlier this month
    • Last month
    • A long time ago
  • Scroll through the list to locate the file/folder to restore.
  • To view the contents of a folder, select the folder, then click on the Open button.

Step 3A: Restore an Entire Folder

  • You may restore an entire folder by selecting the folder with the files to restore.
    • Click on the Restore button.

  • A confirmation window will appear. Click on the Restore button to continue.

  • A Progress window will appear. Once it closes, your folder has been successfully restored to its original location.

Step 3B: Restore a Single or Multiple File(s)

  • Select the folder containing the deleted file(s), and click Open to view its contents.

  • You will see a list of all the file(s) in that folder.
    • Locate the file(s) to recover.

  • Select the file(s) you want to restore.
    • You may select multiple files.
  • Click and Drag the file(s) to its original location.

  • Your file(s) have now been successfully restored.

 

Print Article