Restoring 'Previous Versions' tab

[entryman]

I notice Windows 8 doesn't have the previous versions tab on files or folders. I found a workaround by searching, \\localhost\c$ to get the previous versions tab. The problem is on everything I've tried there is no previous version. I can see in vssadmin I have some shadow copies so why is it not showing me the older versions of some files, that i assume would be in those shadow copies? Does previous versions work for anyone via \\localhost\c$

 

[Brink]

Hello entryman,

If a file, folder, or drive was not included in a restore point, File History, or Windows Backup, then there will be no previous versions available for it.

Restore Previous Versions of Files, Folders, and Drives in Windows 10

Remove Previous Versions from Context Menu & Properties in Windows 10

 

[entryman]

I have several system restore points, some that are automatic and one from windows update. Wouldn't they include text files on my desktop? I tried your registry script (as admin: reg import Add_Previous_Versions_to_Properties_and_context_menu.reg) to restore the previous versions tab but I don't see the tab in properties or an entry in the context menu even after restarting explorer (exit then run explorer.exe from command prompt). Is the reg file only for Windows 10 and do you if it works in Windows 8? If you go to \\localhost\c$ can you actually see entries of your previous versions for a file in the tab?

 

[Brink]

Restore points would not include locations in the C:\Users folder by default unless added.

You should still see a Previous Versions tab on the properties page though.

As a test, turn on File History, and make sure the locations you want to have Previous Versions of are added.

File History - How to Use in Windows 8

File History - Restore Previous File Versions in Windows 8

 

[entryman]

I don't see the tab. I've restarted all explorer processes. The registry entries might not work for Windows 8.1. Also it looks like Windows won't let me turn on file history without another drive, unfortunately. Thanks for your help though.

 

[Brink]

The .reg files are still valid for W8.1 and W10, so I'm not sure why you still don't have "Previous Versions" on the properties page.

Do you have any 3rd party tweaking type program installed that may have removed it?

 

[entryman]

I don't. I'll try your add registry file in a VM when I can to confirm.

 

[entryman]

I tried in a Windows 8 VM and I do not see the previous version tab on files or folders after importing the registry file and rebooting, so it may not work for Windows 8.

 

[Brink]

I tried in a Windows 8 VM and I do not see the previous version tab on files or folders after importing the registry file and rebooting, so it may not work for Windows 8.

I'm just not sure why you don't have a Previous Versions tab to begin with. Something is amiss.

 

[entryman]

Do you have one in Windows 8 or are you going by Windows 10? In Windows 8 I don't see one on work laptop or in a VM but that may be because they don't use windows backup or file history (as far as I know). System restore is used on both though and there are restore points.

 

[Brink]

Hmm, I just checked in one of my W8.1 VMs, and I also no longer have a "Previous Versions" tab either.

Looks like I found out why: Previous versions UI removed for local volumes - Windows applications

Personally, I would recommend to manually keep copies of files you want backed up on another drive. I find it more reliable.

Other than using File History, the free program ShadowExplorer is a good alternative to Previous Versions.

 

[entryman]

Yes that's a good point and I do have some copies but I just find previous versions convenient. Thanks for your help I appreciate it.

 

[Brink]

Other than using File History, the free program ShadowExplorer is a good alternative to Previous Versions.