How do I fix: Resetting File Permissions using Shadow Copy?

Step 1: Copy the entire shadow copy folder (excluding the files) to a temporary location.Step 2: Delete the original file from its current location, and then replace it with the copied version from the temporary location.Step 3: Verify that the ACL settings are now correctly applied to the file by c

Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Using Windows Restore Previous Versions Yields Error Due To Access Rights

Q: How do I fix: 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps Taking Ownership of the File?

Step 1: Open the Properties window for the affected file by right-clicking on it and selecting 'Properties'.Step 2: Click on the Security tab to review the current ACL settings.Step 3: Click 'Edit' to modify the permissions and ensure that the Domain Admin group has full access to all files, includi

Windows restore previous versions error due to access rights

Quick Answer: Take ownership of the file and then change the ACLs to resolve the issue.

📋 Table of Contents

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
✨ Wrapping Up

The error 'File Access Denied' occurs when attempting to restore a folder using Windows Restore Previous Versions, despite having the necessary permissions as a Domain Admin. This issue affects users who rely on shadow copying for file recovery and may be caused by the complex ACL settings applied to the files within the folder.

This situation can be frustrating for IT administrators and users alike, as it prevents them from restoring the affected files in a timely manner. In this guide, we will explore the root causes of this error and provide two methods for resolving the issue.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

The primary reason for this error is that the shadow copy process creates a read-only version of the file, which cannot be modified by users with lower privileges. This is due to the way Windows handles shadow copies and their relationship with file access rights.
An alternative cause may be that the ACL settings applied to the files within the folder are not correctly propagated from the parent folder, resulting in inconsistent permissions that prevent the file from being restored.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Taking Ownership of the File

Step 1: Open the Properties window for the affected file by right-clicking on it and selecting 'Properties'.
Step 2: Click on the Security tab to review the current ACL settings.
Step 3: Click 'Edit' to modify the permissions and ensure that the Domain Admin group has full access to all files, including the two with restricted access.
Step 4: After modifying the ACLs, click 'Apply' and then 'OK' to save the changes.

Resetting File Permissions using Shadow Copy

Step 1: Copy the entire shadow copy folder (excluding the files) to a temporary location.
Step 2: Delete the original file from its current location, and then replace it with the copied version from the temporary location.
Step 3: Verify that the ACL settings are now correctly applied to the file by checking the Properties window's Security tab.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the 'File Access Denied' error when using Windows Restore Previous Versions, try taking ownership of the affected file and modifying its ACLs. Alternatively, reset file permissions by copying the shadow copy folder and replacing the original file with the copied version. If you are still experiencing issues, consult further troubleshooting steps or seek assistance from a qualified IT professional.

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