Restore Deleted Client Files From Sharepoint Version History

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Restore Deleted Client Files From Sharepoint Version History. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

SharePoint version history allows accountancy firms to recover previous versions of client documents that have been accidentally edited or deleted. This guide explains how to view version history, restore a prior version of a file, and recover items deleted from the SharePoint recycle bin within the retention window.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Open SharePoint in your web browser and navigate to the document library containing the file.
2. Right-click the file and select Version history.
3. Select the version you wish to restore and click Restore.
4. If the file was deleted, open the Recycle bin from the left navigation pane.
5. Select the item and click Restore.

Detailed Instructions

Restoring a Previous Version of a Document

1. Log in to Microsoft 365 and open SharePoint.
2. Navigate to the site and document library where the client file is stored.
3. Hover over the file name and click the three dots (...) or right-click the file.
4. Select Version history from the menu.
5. A panel will open on the right showing a list of versions with dates, times, and the names of the editors.
6. Click the three dots (...) next to the version you want to recover.
7. Choose Restore to replace the current file with that version, or Open to view it first.
8. If you choose Open, review the document and select Restore from the top bar if it is the correct version.

Recovering Deleted Items from the SharePoint Recycle Bin

1. In the SharePoint document library, click Recycle bin in the left-hand navigation pane. If you do not see it, click Settings (gear icon) and select Site contents, then click Recycle bin.
2. Locate the deleted file or folder in the list.
3. Select the checkbox next to the item.
4. Click Restore in the top command bar.
5. The item will be returned to its original location in the document library.

Checking Version History Settings

1. Go to the document library settings by clicking Settings (gear icon) and selecting Library settings.
2. Under General Settings, click Versioning settings.
3. Confirm that Create major versions is set to Yes.
4. Check the number of versions to keep under Keep the following number of major versions.
5. If minor versions are enabled, confirm Create minor versions is set to Yes if drafts need to be tracked.

Troubleshooting

Version History Is Not Available

• Ensure versioning is enabled for the document library. Without versioning enabled, previous versions are not stored.
• Check that you have permission to view version history. Site members and owners typically have access, while visitors may not.
• Confirm the file is stored in SharePoint and not synced only to a local OneDrive folder without being uploaded.

Cannot Find the Deleted File in the Recycle Bin

• Check the Second-stage recycle bin by clicking Second-stage recycle bin at the bottom of the standard recycle bin page.
• Verify the retention period has not expired. Permanently deleted items cannot be restored by end users.
• Ensure you are looking in the correct SharePoint site and document library where the file was originally stored.

Restore Button Is Greyed Out

• Confirm you have selected the item by ticking the checkbox next to it.
• Check your permission level. You may need contribute or edit rights to restore items.
• Refresh the browser page and try again.

For further assistance with SharePoint version history or file recovery, Open a Ticket.

Still Having Issues?