Shadow copy is particularly valuable in avoiding the tape restore for small issues where a user has deleted a network-shared file, or when they require an older (hours older) version of the same file. Shadow copy by default will make a shadow copy of a share or volume twice each day.

If or when a file in the shadow copy is deleted, a user can restore that file by right-clicking on the folder where the file existed, and selecting Properties. A new Previous Versions tab will be available if (a) the volume or share is enabled for shadow copy and (b) the client is running the appropriate client software. This software is located in the C: \ WINDOWS \ system32 \ clients \ twclient \ x86 directory, and can be installed en-masse using Group Policies, or on a single Administrative computer which can better monitor file restores.

Shadow copy is enabled within Computer Management in the Shares Section. All you need to do is right-click on the Shared Folders in the left pane, select All Tasks, and select Configure Shadow Copies. From there, you select the volume, click on the Enable button, and the system will proceed with the first shadow copy of the volume.