restore original file in word after saving by mistake!!

[hathim]

how can in restore original file in word/excel that has been saved by mistake...
i.e. how do i restore orginal file if by mistake i have saved it changing the contents..?? is there a way..??

 

[Davetoo]

Previous nights backup.

 

[RichAtAPS]

It depends on a number of factors:

1) If you save your files on a network drive that is backed up nightly, you can restore from the backup.

2) If you use a document management system, you may be able to restore from the dms doc server, or find a back-up on another users folder.

3) If you are looking to restore some missing text from your document you may be able to retrieve it by opening the document in Notepad. Even if you don't have track changes on, Word retains a lot of your edits in the document. The problem with this is that if your opening the file in Notepad, you get a garble of unformatted text. It may not make any sense at all.

Otherwise, you're out of luck. Once you save, you've overwritten your file. Unless you are tracking changes (which I would never recommend), you can't go back.