How to Hide or Show Previous Versions of Files from a Backup Location

   Information

Previous Versions are either copies of files and folders created by Windows Backup when you back up your files, or copies of files and folders that Windows automatically saves as part of a restore point.

This will show you how to hide or show Previous Versions of files from a backup location for all users in Windows 7 and Vista. Previous Versions from a restore point will still be available.

EXAMPLE: Previous Versions from a Backup set to Hide and Show

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Show Previous Versions from a Backup Location

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
NOTE: This is the default setting.

Show_Backup_Previous_Versions.reg

Download

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Hide Previous Versions from a Backup Location

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Hide_Backup_Previous_Versions.reg


Download

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

6. Click on Run, Yes (Windows 7) or Continue (Vista), Yes, and OK when prompted.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Explorer, and Previous Versions. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Hide previous versions of files on backup location and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Show Previous Versions from a Backup Location

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Hide Previous Versions from a Backup Location

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Add or Remove "Previous Versions" Tab from Properties
• How to Restore Files and Folders in Windows 7 with Previous Versions
• How to Restore Previous Versions of a File and Folder in Vista
• How to Hide or Show Previous Versions of Files from File Shares
• How to Delete Shadow Copies in Vista and Windows 7