Have you ever faced the problem of having a file overwritten? If yes, then this is the right place to fix it. An overwritten file is the loss of old data and can lead to errors or corrupted files, or the loss of valuable information. Some people intentionally overwrite their files or folders to permanently erase old data. However, some people do it by mistake. That is why many people ask how to recover overwritten files.
The simple answer is that you can follow various methods or alternatives to restore your old data even if it is changed. However, this is applicable in specific circumstances. Also, some tools are easily available in the market that also help you to restore your old data. We will discuss every 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 happens. An overwritten file means that the old data has been replaced by data just written by mistake. This results in data loss, and a person may or may not be able to recover such files depending on various factors which we will discuss later. However, some of the scenarios of having modified files are as follows:
- You pushed some new changes to your file just to check the consequences, but you accidentally saved the new version.
- You have two files with the same names, and you accidentally save the file with the same name, allowing the computer to replace the old file with the new one.
- Apart from human error, you may get files or folders changed due to different software application bugs or viruses.
- Last but not least, if your operating system stops working properly, it can lead to file tampering, especially when such an error occurs during the process of saving new files.
Part 2: Can the overwritten files be recovered?
People often ask a question on online query platforms like Quora “Can overwritten files be recovered?”. In fact, it is difficult to recover overwritten files if you do not have a good habit of backing up your files frequently.
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 a few simple steps, and your job is done. The ideal procedure depends on whether you are working with Windows or Mac, so we will describe methods suitable for both systems.
Part 3: Recover Overwritten Files in Windows 10
The methods to recover changed data on Windows differ from the files you have on Mac. Therefore, we will discuss them separately. Following are the alternative options to recover overwritten files in Windows 10:
3.1 Recover Overwritten Files with Data Recovery Tool
Are you still looking for an answer on how to recover corrupted files? Then give Tenorshare 4DDiG, a data recovery tool, a must try. This tool is widely used to recover overwritten files from Windows 10. This software offers a user-friendly interface so anyone can use it with little practice. Also, the data recovered with the help of this useful tool remains safe due to its privacy policy.
This helpful guide also teaches you how to recover overwritten files or follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to 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. In the process, you can preview the 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 on a new partition
Note: This overwritten file recovery does not require a backup. Also, you will perform the same steps if an external hard drive is involved in recovering overwritten files. Select the drive in the step before starting the scanning process.
3.2 How to recover overwritten files using system restore
With the help of using system restore, you can also get your old data back. 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 beneficial only when you have a backup on your system.
3.3 Recover files overwritten by system restore from previous versions
Another way to recover your data is by using a system restore from previous versions. Under this alternative, the following are the steps you need to perform to recover the changed files:
Step 1: Go to File Explorer and find the file or folder you want to recover.
Step 2: Now right click open the menu and select the option “restore previous versions”.
Step 3: Your window will provide you with a list of the previous version of the selected file; choose the version you need for your use.
Step 4 – At the end, there is a restore button, click on it and you will get the original form for your data in a few seconds.
Note: Again, this method needs support; otherwise, you will not be able to get the list of previous versions of your files.
How to recover overwritten files from backup
The recovery process is much easier if you have a backup system in terms of an external hard drive. Everything you need to connect your hard drive to your system and perform the following simple steps:
Step 1 – Go to System Settings and then select Update & Security option.
Step 2: Backup option will appear, click on it
Step 3 – Now restore your files to your computer with the help of external hard drive as 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 files overwritten by a time machine
You can recover overwritten files on Mac with a time machine, a backup tool that helps to recover important data that you lost due to overwriting. Here are the steps to do it:
Step 1: Link your computer’s Time Machine backup disk.
Step 2 – Browse to the location that contains the files you want to restore. With the help of a timeline, you can easily find the file you need.
Step 3: Now select Enter Time Machine from the Time Machine menu.
Step 4: Select the Restore button once you select the correct file.
Note: The method is only useful if you have set up your time machine backup. If not, look for the other options to recover your lost data.
4.2 Recover Overwritten Files Using AutoSave
With the help of auto save features, you can also recover respective files without Time Machine. In this feature, the modification you made to a file is still saved in the form of old versions. So, you can recover your old data with the following steps:
Step 1: Create a file with the name of your overridden file in the same location.
Step 2: Open the file and select “File” from the menu.
Step 3 – You will see an option titled “Go Back To”, select it and then select “Browse All Versions”.
Step 4: A list of all versions will appear, then choose the one you want to have.
Step 5: Select the location of the file and select Restore. You will be allowed to recover your old data as the old version of your file is now in your access.
4.3 Recover files overwritten using 4DDiG
The third option you have is to use the tool called 4DDiG, as mentioned above. This data recovery tool is not just for Windows; Mac users can also use it to recover their data. The following are the main features that it offers to its Mac users.
- You will get quick results as scanning the respective files is not time consuming.
- The probability of recovering your old data is quite high with this tool.
- You don’t have to use SIP to recover files on Mac.
- It takes care of all Mac based devices including USB, digital cameras etc.
- You can run this tool on a wide application like T2 chip, M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and MacOS Ventura
Conclusion
All the above mentioned details guide you how to recover altered files effectively and without any delay. Whether you want to recover data on Windows or Mac, we have collected all the possible ways. If you are not in the good habit of backing up your files or occasionally forget to back up your files, don’t miss the benefits of using the 4DDiG tool, which is suitable for both Mac and Windows files.
Read More Author: Janvi Panthri Senior Writer, Editor
Categories: How to
Source: vtt.edu.vn