Storage - Restoring Files Deleted from a Network Drive

Restore files that have been deleted from a network drive on a Windows campus computer.

Open Restore Previous Versions Window

1. Open File Explorer by selecting the manila folder in the Windows Taskbar or by searching "File Explorer" from the Start Menu.
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2. Navigate to the folder or drive containing the data that needs to be restored.
3. Right-click on the folder/drive. If you do not see "Restore previous versions", select Show more options
4. Select Restore previous versions. A pop-up windows showing available backup times will appear.
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Note there are two actions buttons on the new window: Open and Restore.

Use Open to recover select files and folders

1. From the Folder versions list on the Previous Versions tab, select the backup date to which the data should be restored. It is suggested that you select the version directly before the delete was made.
2. Click the Open button to browse the selected backup.
3. In the new File Explorer window, select the files that you want to recover.
4. Copy the desired files from the Previous Versions view and put them in the correct location

Use Restore to revert the entire folder

Please note: Do not use the Restore option on large folders like the root of the S:\, your entire J:\, or S:\WGroups. Restore reverts the entire contents of the folder to the date and time selected. This cannot be undone.

1. From the Folder versions list on the Previous Versions tab, select the backup date to which the data should be restored.
2. Click the Restore button on the lower right of the screen.

3. A window will open explaining that restoring the folder will replace the current version of that folder. If you still wish to restore, click Restore again.
4. Wait for the restoration process to complete. When it is done, the file will appear in its original location.

NOTE: This process is only for Windows computers. Mac users will have to perform these steps on a Windows computer on campus. Another option is to fill out a Restore from Backup Request Form and the Help Desk will restore it for you. 

Need help?

If you have questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 608.342.1400 or helpdesk@uwplatt.edu.  You may also visit the Help Desk on the first floor of the Karrmann Library.