Save Your Data: Learn How to Recover Overwritten Files

| Updated on February 29, 2024

Have you ever faced the problem of having an overwritten file? If yes, then this is the right place to sort it out. An overwritten file is the loss of old data and can result in errors or corrupted files, or loss of information of high value. Some people intentionally overwrite their files or folders to permanently erase the old data. However, some people perform 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 for restoring your old data, even if it is modified. However, this thing is applicable in specific circumstances. Moreover, some tools are easily available in the market that also help you restore your previous data. We will discuss each possible solution to this problem in detail here.

Part1: Things Before Learning How to Recover Overwritten Files

It is important to know what overwritten files mean and why it occurs. An overwritten file means the old data has been replaced with newly written data by mistake. This thing results in data loss, and a person may or may not recover such files depending on several factors that we will discuss later. However, some of the scenarios of having modified files are the following:

  • You entered some new changes in your file for checking the consequences only but accidentally saved the new version.
  • You have two files with the same names and unintentionally save the file with the same name, allowing the computer to replace the old file with the new one.
  • Apart from human error, you can get changed files or folders due to different software application bugs or viruses.
  • Last but not least, if your operating system stops working properly, it may result in altered files, especially when such an error occurs during the saving process of new files.

Part 2: Can Overwritten Files Be Recovered?

People often ask a question on online query platforms like Quora “Can overwritten files be recovered?”. In fact, it’s difficult to recover overwritten files if you don’t have the 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 some simple steps, and your job will be done. The ideal procedure depends on whether you are working with Windows or Mac, so we will describe suitable methods for both of these systems.

Part3: Recover Overwritten Files on Windows 10

The methods to retrieve changed data on Windows differ from the files you have on Mac. So, we will discuss them separately. Following are the alternative options to recover overwritten files in Windows 10:

3.1 Recover Overwritten Files Using the Data Recovery Tool

Are you still looking for an answer to how to get back altered files? Then give Tenorshare 4DDiG, a data recovery tool, a must-try. This tool is widely in use to recover overwritten files from Windows 10. This software offers a user-friendly interface, so anyone can use it with little practice. Moreover, the data retrieved with this useful tool’s help remain secure due to its privacy policy.

This useful guide also teach 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. 

4DDiG Window Data Recovery

Step 2: Now launch it, and you will get clear instructions about every step. Follow them as they are.

Start Data Recovery

Step 3: Select the scan button and initiate the search process. In the process, you can preview the files in two different views.

initiate the search process

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

select the Recover option

Notes

This recovery of overwritten files does not require a backup. Additionally, you will perform the same steps if an external hard drive is involved in recovering overwritten files. Select the drive at the step before starting the scan process.

3.2 How to Recover Overwritten Files by System Restore

With the help of using system restore, you can also get your old data. Perform the following steps to make it possible:

Step 1: Type “System Restore” in the search box on the Control Panel, and select “Create a restore point.”

Create a restore point

Step 2: Click the “System Protection” tab, then click the “System Restore” button.

System Protection

Step 3: Choose a restore point and click “Next” and then “Finish.”

Finish

Step 4: Wait for the process to complete, and your computer will restart.

Notes

This method is beneficial only when you have a backup in your system.

3.3 Recover Overwritten Files by System Restore from Previous Versions

Another way to have your data recovered is by using a system restore from previous versions. Under this alternative, the following are the steps that you need to perform to assume back changed files:

Step 1: Go to File Explorer and search for the file or folder that you want to recover.

Step 2:  Now with the right click open the menu and select the “restore previous versions” option.

Restore previous versions

Step 3: Your window will provide you with a list of the old version of the selected file; choose the version you need for your usage.

Step 4: At the end, there is a restore button, click it and get the original form for your data within a few seconds.

Notes

Again, this method needs backup; otherwise, you cannot get the list of the old 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. All you need to connect your hard drive with your system and perform the following simple steps:

Step 1: go to your System Settings and then select Update & Security option. 

Update & Security Option

Step2: The option of backup will appear, click it

Backup Option

Step 3: Now restore your files to your computer with the help of the external hard drive as your backup.

Part4: 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 a Time Machine

You can recover overwritten files on Mac with a time machine, a backup tool that helps recover the important data that you lost due to overwriting. Here are the steps to do it:

Step 1: Link your computer’s Time Machine backup disc.

Step 2: Search the location that contains the files you want to restore. With the help of a timeline, you can find your required file easily. 

Search Location

Step 3: Now select Enter Time Machine from the Time Machine Menu.

Step 4: Select the Restore button once you select the right file.

Notes

The method is only helpful if you have configured your time machine backup. Otherwise, go for the other options to recover your lost data.

4.2 Recover Overwritten Files by AutoSave Feature

With the help of AutoSaved functions, you can also retrieve respective files without Time Machine. In this function, the modification you made in a file keeps saving 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 overwritten file in the same location.

Step 2: Open the file and select “File” from the menu. 

Step 3: You will see an option with the title “Revert to”, select it and then select “Explore All Versions.”

Explore All Versions.

Step 4: A list of all versions will appear, then choose the one that you want to have.

Step 5: Select the file location and select Restore. You will be permitted to retrieve your old data as the old version of your file is now in your access.

4.3 Recover Overwritten Files Using 4DDiG

The third option you have is using the tool named 4DDiG, as mentioned earlier. This data recovery tool is not only for Windows; Mac users can also use it to recover their data. Following are the main features that it offers to its Mac users.

  • You will get quick results as scanning the respective files does not consume much time.
  • The probability of retrieving your old data is quite high with this tool.
  • You don’t have to use SIP to recover files on Mac. 
  • It deals with all Mac-based devices, including USB, digital cameras, etc.
  • You can run this tool on wide application like T2 chip, M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and MacOS Ventura 

Conclusion

All the details mentioned above guide you on how to retrieve altered files effectively without delay. Whether you want to retrieve data on Windows or Mac, we have compiled all the possible ways. If you do not have 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 Mac files and Windows.





Janvi Panthri

Senior Writer, Editor


Related Posts
×