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How Can I Get the Original File Back After Modifying It

I modified the data and saved it with the same file name. Then, I found I lost the original data. How can I recover the original file after it is saved with modified data? I now have 4 files with the same name, but they are not the original. Can this be done with Time Machine?

Best Answered by

iBoysoft author Connie Yang

Connie Yang

Answered on Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Apart from recovering the replaced files on your Mac with Time Machine backups, you can also use the APFS snapshots, cloud backup, and the undo feature within the software you're editing the files to recover the replaced files on your Mac.

Recovering the replaced files on a Mac is different from restoring deleted files.  Although the original data is still stored on your Mac hard drive, it isn't in the Trash. 

You can use Time Machine to restore your original files after modifying them with these steps:

  1. Connect your Time Machine external hard drive to your Mac.
  2. Open the folder where the original file stays and copy and paste it to your Mac.

And you can also use APFS snapshots to get back the original files once you've backed up your Mac with Time Machine or you've just updated your Mac.

  1. Click the Time Machine icon at the top Apple menu bar and select Enter Time Machine.
  2. Click the down and up arrows to find the snapshot point when your original file remains on your Mac.
  3. Select the original file and click Restore to recover it.

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