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17 May 2024  John Weaver  Senior Program Developer
 

Summary
Learn about the capabilities of System Restore and whether it can effectively recover deleted files. From understanding what data is included in a system backup to exploring alternative methods, this article will guide you in recovering your lost files with ease.



Table of contents

table iconUnderstanding System Backup and System Restore
table iconSo, Can System Restore recover Deleted Files?
table iconMethod 1: Restore deleted files and folders using Previous Versions
table iconMethod 2: Recovering Personal Files with Professional Software
table iconPotential Risks and Drawbacks of Using System Restore and How to Avoid Them
table iconExploring Alternative Methods for Backing Up efficiently
table iconConclusion
Ever deleted a crucial file or lost data due to a computer crash? System Restore, a feature in most operating systems, can potentially help. This chapter will explain system backup and restore, what data can be recovered, and how system files and personal data are affected. Let’s explore if System Restore can truly retrieve deleted files.

Understanding System Backup and System Restore

Understanding the core functionalities of System Backup and System Restore, and their relationship with the data on your computer is fundamental when discussing data security and recovery. The distinction between system files and personal data becomes particularly important in this context.
system backup in Windows
Understanding System Backup and System Restore
System Backup and System Restore are designed to protect your computer’s functionality from unexpected mishaps. A system backup is a copy of the data on your computer. System Restore, a function built into the Windows Operating System, restores your system to a previous state if a malfunction or problem arises.
system restore select image
What is Included in System Restore?
While System Restore is not a panacea for all computer issues, it has its strengths. It creates a snapshot of various system components like the Windows registry, installed applications, system files, and system settings. This snapshot or restore point can help undo system changes that cause damage or malfunction. Yet, it’s crucial to note that System Restore does not recover personal files or data. Instead, it focuses on restoring Windows updates, system files, and system configurations, leaving your personal files like photos, documents, and emails untouched.

So, Can System Restore recover Deleted Files?

The answer is no. System Restore is not designed to be a file recovery utility that lets you “undelete” your files. If you accidentally delete a folder full of crucial documents and can’t recover them from the Recycle Bin, System Restore isn’t your rescuer. For such instances, you’d require a specific tool designed for data recovery purposes.
System Restore does not cause you to lose your personal files or password. Items like documents, e-mail messages, browsing history, and the last specified password are saved when you revert to an earlier state with System Restore.

System Restore protects your personal files by not restoring any files in the My Documents folder.

It also does not restore any files that use common data file name extensions, such as .doc or .xls.

If you’re not sure whether your personal files use common data file name extensions, and you do not want the data files to be affected by System Restore, save them in the My Documents folder.

A program was installed after the restore point that you are restoring to was created, the program might be uninstalled as part of the restoration process. Data files that are created with the program are not lost. However, in order to open the files again, you must reinstall the associated program.

Stores one to three weeks of past restore points The actual number of saved restore points depends on how much activity there has been on your computer, the size of your hard disk (or the partition that contains your Windows XP Professional folder), and how much disk space has been allocated on your computer to store System Restore information … 

Refer: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/what-precisely-is-backed-up-during-a-system/bd4608ac-da42-4f28-b59e-832d9048d85f

Moreover, utilizing System Restore will supersede your erased files, resulting in permanent data loss. To retrieve your erased data, you may have to utilize the in-built Windows program or employ third-party data recovery software. Let’s proceed.
Tips:System Restore does not recover personal files, it focuses on restoring Windows updates, system files, and system configurations.

Method 1: Restore deleted files and folders using Previous Versions

Restoring files and folders on Windows can be a lifesaver when important data gets accidentally deleted or lost. While there are various methods for recovering files, one option is to use previous versions. This method utilizes System Restore, a feature built-in to Windows that allows users to revert their system back to an earlier state.
Step 1: To begin, open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the lost file was located.
folder properties
Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: A new window will open. Please slect “Previous Versions” Tab that displays all the previous versions of the folder that are available for restoration.
file previous versions for file history
Step 4: Select the version you want to restore and click on “Open” to view its contents.
Step 5: Once you have verified that the correct version has been selected, click on the “Restore” button.
Note: If you do not see any previous versions available for restoration, it could mean that System Restore is not enabled on your computer or that there are no restore points available.
This method of using previous versions to restore files and folders is limited to only certain types of files and folders. Additionally, this method will only work if System Restore is enabled on your computer and if there are restore points available. If neither of these conditions are met, this method will not be able to retrieve your lost files. As such, it can be helpful to utilize another method, such as using data recovery software, to increase your chances of successful file recovery.
To learn more about recovering personal files using professional software like Renee Undeleter, please refer to the next chapter.
Tips:Ensure System Restore is enabled on your computer to use this method effectively.

Method 2: Recovering Personal Files with Professional Software

In cases where System Restore is unable to retrieve your deleted files, don’t worry, there are still other options available. One such option is to use specialized data recovery software, like Renee Undeleter.
Renee Undeleter is a professional data recovery tool that can help you retrieve lost or deleted files from your computer. It is a user-friendly and comprehensive tool that offers a high success rate for file recovery.
Step 1: Download, install and run Renee Undeleter on your Windows computer.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Step 2: Select the [Fast Partition Scan] option in the main interface.
Please avoid installing the software on the disk containing the data to be recovered in order to prevent data overwriting. Also, refrain from saving new data to the same disk partition after a file is lost to avoid further damage or complete loss of the lost file.
Renee Undeleter, select Fast Partition Scan
Step 3: Next, select the partition where the lost data is located, and click [Next].
select partition to scan for fast partition scan
Step 4: Select the [Fast Scan] option and click the [Next] button to scan.
The [Fast Scan] mode scans the initial 30GB of available space on the chosen disk. If desired files are not found, the [Deep Scan] mode can be used for a thorough scan of the hard disk partition, though it will require additional time.
Select Fast scan in Fast Partition Scan
Step 4: Wait for the scan to complete
you can double-click the file to preview, then check the files that need to be recovered, and click the [Recover] button to recover the files to other disks.
preview before recovery
Tips:Please select a disk without any important data when installing the software to avoid overwriting it. If the quick scan mode doesn’t find the necessary files, we suggest trying the deep scan mode for a full search.
Using a professional software like Renee Undeleter can greatly increase your chances of successful file recovery. It is important to note that the longer you wait to use this method, the lower your chances of successful recovery become.

Potential Risks and Drawbacks of Using System Restore and How to Avoid Them

While system restore can be a useful tool for recovering system files and settings, there are also potential risks and drawbacks associated with using it. In this chapter, we will discuss some of these risks and how you can avoid them.
1. Losing personal files: As we mentioned earlier, system restore does not affect personal files. However, in some cases, it may still cause the loss of personal files. For example, if the system restore process is interrupted or there are errors during the process, it may result in the loss of personal files. To avoid this, it is important to always back up your personal files before using system restore.
2. Incompatibility with programs: System restore can also lead to compatibility issues with certain programs. This is because the system restore process may change system files and settings, which can affect the functionality of some programs. To avoid this, it is important to check for any potential compatibility issues before performing a system restore.
3. Potential for malware: System restore can also potentially restore malware that was previously removed from the system. This is because the system restore process does not differentiate between good and malicious programs. To avoid this, it is important to have a reliable antivirus program installed and regularly perform system scans.
4. Limited options for system recovery: Finally, system restore may not always be able to fully restore your system. In some cases, it may only partially restore the system or not be able to restore it at all. To avoid this, it is recommended to also explore alternative methods for backing up your system, such as using professional software like Renee Becca, as it offers more comprehensive recovery options.
Now that you are aware of potential risks and drawbacks of using system restore, let’s move on to exploring alternative methods for backing up system and personal files, such as using professional software like Renee Becca.

Exploring Alternative Methods for Backing Up efficiently

Renee Becca is an advanced tool dedicated to the backup and restoration of system/hard disk data. It provides a comprehensive solution to safeguard your crucial computer data, including programs, system configuration, emails, photos, videos, documents, bookmarks, and more. By leveraging advanced incremental/differential backup technology, Renee Becca ensures efficient use of time and disk space. It offers a wide range of features such as system backup, partition backup, hard disk backup, file backup, and disk cloning, thereby addressing all your backup requirements.
Renee Becca - Reliable Data Backup & Restore Software

Quick Backup files at up to 3,000MB/min.

Fullfill different backup needs Supports system backup, disk / partition backup, file backup and disk clone.

Intelligent Automatically analyze the differences between source and backup data.

Convenient Support VSS, allowing to freely view webpages when backing up system.

Highly compatible Supports various files and storage devices.

Quick Backup files at up to 3,000MB/min.

Fullfill different backup needs Backup for disk, partition and system. Save disk space by backing up incremental /differential data.

Highly compatible Supports various files and storage devices.

Free TrialFree Trial 2000 users have downloaded and enjoy Renee Becca!
Step 1: Download, install and run Renee Becca on the computer, and select the (File Backup) option in the main interface (Backup) column.
File backup of Renee Becca
Step 2: Next, select all the files that need to be backed up in [source file (device)], and select the partition(Volume) to store the backup data in (destination).
backup files
Additionally, you can set up an automatic backup plan on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis in the ‘Schedule’ section. After configuring the parameters, click ‘OK’ to activate the automatic backup feature.
file backup schedule on Renee Becca
In the Backup Scheme section, under Scheme Type, select a backup mode that aligns with your requirements. Renee Becca provides five choices: version chain mode, single version mode, overall mode, incremental mode, and diff mode. For the Incremental Mode, decide between creating an incremental backup after the initial full backup, based on your actual needs, or creating a full backup after a certain number of incremental backups. Establish automatic cleanup and select ‘Keep the first backup version’. While this option might require more storage, it guarantees a comprehensive backup file that can be fully restored even if there’s damage or loss of intermediate data.
backup mode of file backup on Renee Becca
Renee Becca provides five distinct backup options:
Version Chain Mode: This mode keeps the most recent five versions, automatically removing outdated versions after backup.
Single Version Mode: This mode keeps only the latest version, automatically deleting the previous version after backup.
Overall Pattern: This mode performs a thorough backup.
Incremental Mode: This mode generates incremental backups following the initial full backup.
Differential Mode: This mode creates differential backups after the first full backup.
Step 3: Click the “Backup Now” button to initiate the file backup as per your settings. Keep an eye on the task bar to monitor the progress. Upon completion, use the “Restore” button for retrieving files to the specified hard disk if required.
recover backup files from renee becca
Step 4: Then select the location where the files are to be restored, and click the (Restore) button.
files recovery location
Tips:Regularly schedule automated backups to ensure data security and quick recovery in case of mishaps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, System Restore is a useful recovery tool for deleted files in Windows, primarily focusing on system files, potentially excluding personal data. We’ve discussed its functions, backup file contents, and alternative recovery methods like Renee Undeleter. Understanding its limitations is crucial. We’ve also explored other backup methods, including professional software like Renee Becca. While System Restore is helpful, a comprehensive backup strategy is essential for securing all data.