How to Recover a Replaced File: 3 Possible Solutions 

how to recover a replaced file

How to recover a replaced file? Recovering overwritten files and lost data can be done using various methods as described in the table below. It is recommended to use professional file recovery software to get data efficiently.

Is there an effective way to recover overwritten files? Recently, I mistakenly replaced an existing Word document with a newly created document with the same name. Looking for help from a friend of mine, I was informed that overwrite documents could not be restored. However, I am not happy to give up because the original Word document is extremely important to me. Any help would be highly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

The presence of overwritten Word or Excel files is common. It’s often caused by human error, but unfortunately these overwrite files can’t find their way into the trash. So even if you’re trying to recycle the recovery basket on Windows, you won’t be able to load lost original files.

Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to recover files that have been rewritten or replaced. In this article we will introduce three solutions for recovering data that has been written again. These methods are compatible with various types of files including Word, Excel, PPT and so on. We also provide a file recovery tool to help find lost, deleted or formatted documents effectively.

Method 1: Recover Lost Files with WinfrGUI File Recovery Software

When not sure whether the deleted file has been overwritten or not, it is recommended to start with the data recovery software. WinfrGUI is a powerful tool that can recover lost or delete files even in complicated situations where there is no backup. It may get files written in part. Follow the following steps to use this software on your computer:

  • Step 1: Enable WinfrGUI and select the split device or storage unit that has suffered data loss. The software can easily recover your data as long as it has not been rewritten.
  • Step 2: Allow the software to quickly scan lost data and consider a deep scan for a more comprehensive search. When the scan is complete, use the filter option to quickly specify a specific file type. For example, if you want to recover images, select “Print” and select “Images”.
  • Step 3: To verify that the file is your target, double-click to view the content first. Click on “Recover” to save the selected file. It is recommended to save recovered files to a new target to prevent further writing.

Tip: While the data recovery tool is often able to locate missing files. It is important to back up important data on a regular basis. If manual backup is not convenient or easily forgotten, it is recommended to use professional timed security software. In this way, you can easily find the original document. In case of file rewrite.

If your information has already been overwritten, the most effective solution for recovering overwrite files will be described in method 2.

Method 2: Recover Overwritten Files in Windows 10 from Previous Versions

Previous Versions is a backup and recovery feature in Windows that allows you to restore deleted, formatted, modified, damaged, or lost files and folders. If luck is on your side, you might be able to restore overwritten files using Previous Versions. Follow these steps:

  • Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the file was originally located.
  • Right-click anywhere within the folder and select “Properties”.
  • In the Properties window, select the “Previous Versions” tab. Look for an earlier version of the overwritten file and proceed to restore it.

Method 3: Restore Replaced Files Using System Restore

The easiest and most efficient method to recover overwritten files is by restoring your system to the last backup point using System Restore. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Initiate a search for “system restore”.
  • Click on “Create a restore point”.
  • Choose the restore point that predates the occurrence of the overwritten files.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the recovery of the overwritten files.

The following section provides detailed answers to frequently asked questions about recovering overwritten files.

How to Recover a Replaced File: FAQ

If you encounter problems recovering overwritten files, please refer to the following questions to find solutions that may occur to your problem.

Is it possible to recover overwritten files?

If you write too many files or folders unintentionally, it is worth trying again from a previous version. On a Windows 10 computer, you can use the file history or point return feature to recover files that have been rewritten. As long as you enable one of these two tools you can scan and recover overwritten files from your hard drive.

Can Recuva recover copied files?

No, Recuva does not guarantee a successful recovery in all situations. Just like other data recovery software, recuva cannot restore written data. This software is designed to recover deleted data, forms, designs, and other types of lost data.

Can I recover duplicate files from an SD card?

If you mistakenly write a file on an SD card, the file will be considered lost due to rewrite. However, there is still a chance to recover lost data through file recovery methods. You can try a recovery from a backup or use a data recovery program designed for this purpose.

>>Also Read: How to Recover Pics from SD Card