Versioning is a useful way to keep track of the changes made to any file.  The system automatically keeps a copy of the file each time it is saved. If you and other users edit the same file, versioning allows you to revert to a previous copy if necessary, providing an automatic backup for overwritten files.

When versioning is selected for a file, you are automatically given the option to Check Out the file. Checking out a file allows a user to edit the file and save it multiple times without creating a new version each time it is saved.  Checking out a file also creates a lock (if the file is not already locked) on a file which prevents other users with write permission on that file from editing it. Checking out a file does not, however, prevent users with read permission from seeing the changes made to the file while it is checked out. Users will be able to see the very latest version of the file whether or not the file has been checked in.

Checking in a file creates a permanent version of the file that encompasses all changes made while the file was checked out. Checking in a file also removes the lock on the file.

Versioning can only be set for files, not folders, through the Xythos Drive. Versioning can only be set for a file by a user with Administer permission for the file.

The Xythos Drive supports the RFC3253 specification for Versioning Extensions to WebDAV.

Enabling versioning

To enable versioning on a file:

1. Using Windows Explorer, locate the file.
2. Right-click the file, select Versioning, and then select Enable Versioning. The system will now automatically create a new version every time the file is saved.

No confirmation message is returned, unless the request fails.

Disabling versioning

To disable versioning on a file:

1. Using Windows Explorer, locate the file.
2. Right-click the file, select Versioning, and then select Disable Versioning. The file is no longer versioned.

Checking a file out for editing

When a file is versioned, you may check it out to ensure it does not get edited by someone else until you have checked it back in. To check a file out:

1. Using Windows Explorer, locate the file.
2. Right-click the file, select Versioning, and then select Check Out. The file is now locked. No other users can save a version of the file until you have checked it back in.

Checking in a file after editing

When you are done editing a file that you have checked out, you should check it in to allow other users to edit the file. To check a file in:

1. Using Windows Explorer, locate the file.
2. Right-click the file, select Versioning, and then select Check In. The file is now unlocked and a new version created.

Undoing a check out of a file

If you decide that you do not want to check a file out, or that you want the current version to remain without adding new versions, you can easily undo the check out. To undo a file check out:

1. Using Windows Explorer, locate the file.
2. Right-click the file, select Versioning, and then select Undo Check Out. The file is no longer checked out.

Viewing version history

You can view the version history of a file, as well as save prior versions to another location to view them. To do this:

1. Using Windows Explorer, locate the file.
2. Right-click the file, select Versioning, and then select List Version History.
3. The resulting dialog displays the version history of this file.
4. Select a prior version, and then click Save As to save the version to another location.