Have you ever faced the problem of having an overwritten file? If so, then this is the right place to sort it out. Overwritten files are old data loss and can lead to errors or corrupted files or loss of valuable information. Some people intentionally overwrite their files or folders to permanently delete old data. However, some people do it by mistake. That’s why many people ask how to recover overwritten files.
The simple answer is that you can follow various methods or alternatives to recover your old data, even if it has been modified. However, this applies in specific cases. Moreover, some of the easy tools available in the market also help you to recover your previous data. We will discuss each possible solution to this problem in detail here.
Part 1: Things before learning how to recover overwritten files
It is important to know what overwritten files mean and why it happened. Overwritten file means that old data has been replaced by new data written by mistake. This leads to data loss and a person may or may not be able to recover those files depending on a number of factors which we will discuss later. However, some cases have modified files like this:
- You imported some new changes in your file just to test the consequences but accidentally saved the new version.
- You have two files with the same name and accidentally save the file with the same name, allowing the computer to replace the old file with the new one.
- In addition to human error, you may receive files or folders that have been altered due to various software application errors or viruses.
- Last but not least, if your operating system stops working properly, it can lead to files being changed, especially when such an error occurs during saving new files.
Part 2: Can overwritten files be recovered?
People often ask the question on online query platforms like Quora “Is it possible to recover overwritten files?”. In fact, it is very difficult to recover overwritten files if you are not in the habit of backing up your files regularly.
However, even if you don’t have this habit, you don’t have to worry about it. There are also some effective methods to recover overwritten files. All you need to do is follow some simple steps and your job will be done. The ideal procedure depends on whether you’re working with Windows or Mac, so we’ll describe methods that work for both of these systems.
Part 3: Recover overwritten files on Windows 10
The methods of retrieving changed data on Windows are different from the files you have on Mac. So we will discuss them separately. Following are alternative options to recover overwritten files in Windows 10:
3.1 Recover overwritten files with Data Recovery Tool
Are you still looking for answers on how to get changed files back? Then try Tenorshare 4DDiG, a data recovery tool. This tool is widely used to recover overwritten files from Windows 10. The software provides a user-friendly interface, so anyone can use it without much practice. . Furthermore, the data retrieved with the help of this useful tool remains secure due to its privacy policy.
This helpful guide also teaches you how to recover overwritten files or follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the official website and download this useful tool on your system.
Step 2: Now launch it and you will get clear instructions on each step. Follow them as they are.
Step 3: Select the scan button and start the search process. During this process, you can preview files in two different views.
Step 4: In the search results, select the file you want to recover and select the Recover option at the bottom right of the page. Remember to put the recovered files in a new partition
Note: Restoring these overwritten files does not require a backup. Also, you’ll go through the same steps if the external hard drive involves recovering overwritten files. Select the drive in the step before starting the scan.
3.2 How to recover overwritten files with System Restore
With the help of using system restore you can also get your old data. Take the following steps to make it possible:
Step 1: Type “System Restore” in the Control Panel search box and select “Create a restore point”.
Step 2: Click the “System Protection” tab, then click the “System Restore” button.
Step 3: Choose a restore point and click “Next” and then “Finish”.
Step 4: Wait for the process to complete and your computer will reboot.
Note: This method is only beneficial when you have a backup in your system.
3.3 Recover overwritten files by restoring the system from previous versions
Another way to recover your data is to use system restore from previous versions. According to this workaround, here are the steps you need to take to get the changed files back:
Step 1: Go to File Explorer and search for the file or folder that you want to recover.
Step 2: Now, right click to open the menu and select the option “restore previous versions”.
Step 3: Your window will give you a list of the old version of the selected file; choose the version you need for your use.
Step 4: Finally there will be a restore button, click it and get your data back to its original form within seconds.
Note: Again, this method needs backups; otherwise you can’t get a list of old versions of your file.
How to restore overwritten files from backup
The recovery process will be much easier if you have a backup system in the form of an external hard drive. All you need to connect your hard drive to your system and follow these simple steps:
Step 1: go to your System Settings and then select Update & security option.
Step 2: Backup option will appear, click it
Step 3: Now restore your files to the computer with the help of an external hard drive as your backup.
Part 4: Recover overwritten files on Mac
On the other hand, you also have three alternatives to recover overwritten files on Mac.
4.1 How to recover overwritten files with time machine
You can recover overwritten files on your Mac with Time Machine, a backup tool that restores important data you’ve lost due to overwriting. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Link the Time Machine backup disk on your computer.
Step 2: Search for the location containing the files you want to recover. With the help of timeline you can easily find your needed file.
Step 3: Now select Enter Time Machine from the Time Machine Menu.
Step 4: Select the Restore button when you select the correct file.
Note: This method is only useful if you have your time machine backup configured. Otherwise, choose other options to recover your lost data.
4.2 Recover overwritten files with AutoSave
With the help of AutoSave functions, you can also retrieve the corresponding files without Time Machine. In this function, the modification you made in a file will continue to save as old versions. So you can recover your old data with these steps:
Step 1: Create a file with your overwritten filename in the same location.
Step 2: Open the file and select “File” from the menu.
Step 3: You will see an option titled “Revert to”, select it and then select “Explore All Versions”.
Step 4: A list of all versions will appear, then select the version you want to have.
Step 5: Choose where the file is located and select Restore. You will be allowed to retrieve your old data because the old version of the file is now in your access.
4.3 Recover overwritten files with 4DDiG
The third option you have is to use a tool called 4DDiG, as mentioned earlier. This data recovery tool is not just for Windows; Mac users can also use it to recover their data. Following are the main features it offers to Mac users.
- You will get results quickly because scanning the corresponding files does not take much time.
- The probability of getting your old data back is quite high with this tool.
- You don’t need to use SIP to recover files on your Mac.
- It handles all Mac based devices, including USBs, digital cameras, etc.
- You can run this tool on many applications such as T2, M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and MacOS Ventura chips
Conclusion
All the details mentioned above guide you how to efficiently retrieve changed files without delay. Whether you want to retrieve data on Windows or Mac, we’ve rounded up all the possible ways. If you are not in the habit of backing up your files or forget to back up your files from time to time, don’t miss out on the benefits of using the 4DDiG tool, which is suitable for Mac and Windows files.
Categories: How to
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
