Overwriting a file on a macOS system, particularly when a backup isn’t readily available, presents a data recovery challenge. The operating system doesn’t inherently maintain a history of file versions, meaning a simple ‘undo’ function is typically unavailable. This situation arises when a file is saved with the same name as an existing file, effectively substituting the older version with the new one.
The absence of a readily available backup solution, such as Time Machine, significantly increases the complexity of restoring the previous file state. Time Machine automates the process of backing up files, providing a straightforward method for recovering older versions. Without it, alternative recovery methods, often involving system-level data examination, become necessary.
