subject: Windows File Recovery Utility Evolves And Changes For Better [print this page] Windows backup has not been without limitations. In fact backing up Windows file (Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008) using the built-in backup utilities has not been without hassle. Even though these backup tools are active in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, Microsoft has made some significant changes that should make the Windows file recovery and native backup utilities much more utilizable.
New and improved Windows file recovery function
The greatest change that Microsoft has made to Windows 8 backup pertains to the introduction of a new feature called File History. This new feature replaces a Windows 7 functionality known as Previous Versions and allows the easy restoration of files and documents. File History provides you the option of backing up Windows 8 systems to either an external hard drive or network share based on your preference and requirement. File History can be used to backup the Windows libraries (such as documents, pictures and videos). The File History application contains an Exclude link that can be leveraged to leave out specific items from being backed up, but if you want to add items outside of the libraries to the backup that wont be possible. However if you want to perform a full system backup, Microsoft has added a few other options to Windows 8 for recovering your system.
File History application provides a link to restore personal files. However, if you need a more comprehensive Windows file recovery, use the Recovery link instead. Another option, Refresh installs a clean copy of Windows and in the process protects data that is stored in your library and preserves any apps that were taken from the Windows App Store. All other applications will be deleted, although Windows does create a report informing about the applications that have been removed so that you can reinstall them. The Reset option is designed to return the computer to an unadulterated state. You can use the Reset option to remove everything including user files and applications, and install a clean copy of Windows. This option is an important part of Windows file recovery utility that could reset a gravely corrupted computer and then recover the user files from File History.
Windows file recovery utility in Windows Server
Windows Server 2012 does not seem to have the File History feature, but Windows Server Backup has undergone extensive changes since its debut in Windows Server 2008. The latest version of Windows Server Backup makes it easy to restore an individual virtual machine. If there is requirement for recovering files or folders from within a virtual machine, Windows Server Backup allows you restore a virtual hard disk file to an alternate location. This hard disk can be mounted outside of the virtual machine. Later on you can copy files and folders from the virtual hard disk to the virtual machine. Windows file recovery utility works a bit differently here, nevertheless its quietly helpful.
Conclusion
Windows file recovery mechanisms have changed considerably since the previous versions. Of course, both Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 are still in beta testing stage and Microsoft could still possibly make changes prior to the final release.
