Windows 7: Can the "previous version" feature of win7 overwrite newer files?

hello, title says it all. i'm worried about my personal files (docs etc.). somebody please clarify, whenever i used system restore, windows said "your personal files have not been changed". in which cases would that be so?

Hello chatumao and welcome to Seven Forums.

From a Microsoft article about System Restore:

System Restore affects Windows system files, programs, and registry settings. It can also make changes to scripts, batch files, and other types of executable files created under any user account on your computer. System Restore does not affect personal files, such as e-mail, documents, or photos, so it cannot help you restore a deleted file. If you have backups of your files, you can restore the files from a backup.

System Restore: frequently asked questions

thank you for the reply. in the configuration for the system protection of my c: drive the option "restore system settings and previous versions of files" is ticked. what files is windows talking about? these scripts, batch-files and executables?

Windows system files, programs, and registry settings that were changed AFTER the restore point was made will be affected. If you created any scripts, batch-files, or installed any programs (.exe files) AFTER the restore point was created they will be affected as well. Here are a couple more Microsoft articles that may explain it better.

System Restore - Windows 7 features - Microsoft Windows

What is System Restore?

ok, then theres nothing to worry about. ony ms could have made it a little clearer, the term file is rather confusing. thx for your time, anyways.

You're very welcome. Stop in any time if you have any other questions.