Replaced an existing Word document file in error

[Marlena]

When saving a new page to an existing Word document (a test for an on-line
course at school, no less!) i mistakenly clicked "Replace exiting file"
instead of "Merge changes into existing file"

I have now lost the existing version of the test which was several pages
long. Is there any way to get that replaced version back?

Any help is incredibly appreciated.

 

[Herb Tyson [MVP]]

If you have backups enabled, then look for a file named "Backup of <original
file name>.wbk".

If you're using Vista (Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise) right-click the
file (in Windows Explorer), and see if the replaced version is listed in the
Previous Versions tab.

If you're using Word 2003 or earlier and are using the Versions feature,
then that would be an option (but, if you were using it, you'd likely know
about it an wouldn't be asking for help).

Otherwise... whoops!

 

[Marlena]

Hi Herb,
Thanks for your input. Unfortunately I didn't have backups enabled in XP. I
do now! Would system restore work? I saved it the same way in both My
Documents and on a flash drive. I don't think system restore will work on
either one of those, will it?
Thanks again, Marlena K

 

[Herb Tyson [MVP]]

System Restore doesn't touch your data, unfortunately (in this case at
least). If programs stop working, an installed program messes something up,
or if a Windows Update hoses something, system restore is great. But, it's
not good for this sort of thing.

Shadow copying to create backup versions of files is one of a handful of
things I like about Vista. The fact that it isn't part of all of the Vista
offerings, however, is unfortunate, IMO.


--
Herb Tyson MS MVP
Author of the Word 2007 Bible
Blog: http://word2007bible.herbtyson.com
Web: http://www.herbtyson.com