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Can I "set back" (recreate) a word document that is only saved on a USB to a particular date and time?

Hi all,

I'm probably a lost case, but I need to ask anyways. Three days ago I renamed a manuscript file that I was working on, and only saved it on my desktop. The old version became a kind of "trash document" where I left all the stuff that I could not use. After this, my work computer had to be completely reinstalled, and everything got deleted beyond repair (IT experts have looked into that). However, I still have the "trash document" that I saved on a USB.

My question is, is there ANY way to ask this "trash document" to go back to how it was three days ago? I only have it on my stick and it can unfortunately not be linked to the word program on the computer anymore. It only exists on the USB.

I think I know the answer - however, as I'm expected to defend my thesis soon and this was part of my thesis work, this is of course a nightmare scenario for me. I appreciate all answers.

Thanks,

Linda

PS- Yes, I KNOW about backing up. There are several small things that all added up to this, and it's also happening in the midst of a very stressful life situation in general, which is why this happened.

Answer
Answer
Your 'trash' document won't have any of the edits you made after you last used it. There is no way for it to 'replay' whatever changes you made to the renamed file. Similarly, unless you were using 'Track Changes' when editing the content in the 'trash' document, the record of what was there before will be gone forever. I'd suggest looking for copies in emails & other USB drives. There is also a faint chance your work can be recovered from the errant computer, using specialised file recovery software.
Cheers
Paul Edstein
(Fmr MS MVP - Word)

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Last updated March 26, 2024 Views 98 Applies to: