How to Restore Files From a Backup

by Peyton Brookes
External storage

External storage

hardrive image by Daniel Gustavsson from Fotolia.com

The backup and restore feature provides a valuable option for protecting your files and settings. According to Microsoft, restoring your computer returns it to a previous state without the loss of information. Windows XP’s Backup utility allows you to restore files by using an “Advanced Mode” wizard. In Windows Vista, the Backup and Restore Center provides an interface for managing your backups and restoring your files. Administrator access is required to restore files to their original state.

Restore Files in Windows XP

Step 1

Open the backup utility. Click “Start” and point to “All Programs” then “Accessories” and “System Tools.” Click “Backup” on the “System Tools” menu.

Step 2

Open the “Advanced Mode” Wizard. Click the “Advanced Mode” link in the “Backup or Restore” window.

Step 3

Select the backup file. Click the “Restore Wizard” icon located on the “Welcome” tab in the “Advanced Mode Wizard” window. If the desired file does not appear, select the “Browse…” button to navigate to the appropriate file. Once you locate the file, click the checkbox that corresponds with the files you would like to restore. For example, to restore all your documents, click the checkbox next to the “Documents and Settings” folder. Click the “Next” button.

Step 4

Restore your files. If you would like to restore your files to their original location, click the “Finish” button. To select advanced options—where to restore files, security settings or how to handle existing files—click the “Advanced” button and advance through the remaining settings. Click “Finish” when you have made your selections.

Restore Files in Windows Vista

Step 1

Open the Backup and Restore Center. Click “Start” and type “restore” in the search box. Click the “Backup and Restore” center link in the results section.

Step 2

Open the “Restore Files” wizard. Click the “Restore Files” button in the restore section of the Backup and Restore Center.

Step 3

Select from where you would like to restore files. The wizard will ask if you would like to restore files from the most recent backup or an older one. Select the appropriate answer by clicking the corresponding radio button. Click the “Next” button.

Step 4

Select the files you would like to restore. Click the “Add Files” button on the “Select the files and folders to restore” page. Locate and select the files you would like to add and click the “Add” button. Repeat these steps until the “Restore Files” window lists each file. Click “Next.”

Step 5

Select where you would like to restore the files. Either select the original location or browse to enter another location. Click “Start Restore” to begin the restoration. When the “Successfully Restore Files” page appears, click “Finish” to complete the process.

Tip

  • Always use an external hard drive to backup and restore your files.

About the Author

Peyton Brookes is a workforce development expert and has written professionally about technology, education and science since 2009. She spent several years developing technology and finance courses for social programs in the Washington, D.C. area. She studied computer and information science at the University of Maryland College Park.

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