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Edited by Jack Herrick, Krystle C., Vivek Kumar Rohra, Brett and 36 others

While most wikiHow articles improve with each edit, occasionally, an article may be altered in a destructive manner, due to vandalism. Follow this procedure to revert to a previous version of an article:

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EditSteps

  1. Revert Vandalism in wikiHow Step 1.jpg
    1
    Click on the History tab, at the top of an article, to access all previous versions. You can also access the history by typing ?action=history on the end of the article's web address.
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  2. Revert Vandalism in wikiHow Step 2.jpg
    2
    Search for the most current and well-written version.
    • Click on the time/date to see that particular revision.
    • To compare two revisions, select the radio button in the left column for the older revision, and select the button on the right column for the newer revision right on top of it.

    • Examine the "diff" page for vandalism. This is called a "diff" page because it shows the difference between two revisions. The old revision is on the left, and the new revision is on the right.
      • If something was removed, that section will have a pink background on the left.
      • If something was added or changed, that section will have a green background on the right.
      • Any text that was changed will be shown in red.

  3. Revert Vandalism in wikiHow Step 3.jpg
    3
    Edit the revision you want to revert to. From the diff page, click on the "edit" link next to "Old Revision" on the upper left. From the page history, click on the last good revision (click on the time/date) and then click on the "Edit" tab at the top of the page.
  4. Revert Vandalism in wikiHow Step 4.jpg
    4
    Click on the "Show changes" button at the bottom of the article. This will show you the change you are making to the page by saving the current revision. Make sure the vandalism (and only the vandalism) is getting removed.
  5. Revert Vandalism in wikiHow Step 5.jpg
    5
    Write a good, informative summary of your edits in the Edit Summary box at the bottom of the article, to clarify your edit.
    • Example: "Revert to pre-vandalized version."
  6. Revert Vandalism in wikiHow Step 6.jpg
    6
    Click on Publish, at the bottom of the article, to save your changes.
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EditTips

  • Always make use of this procedure with good intention.
  • If an incident needs immediate attention, contact the Administrator Notice Board.
  • Do not revert if you simply disagree with an edit.
  • Review how to Avoid an Edit War on a Wiki.
  • If you are a Registered editor:

    • Click on [rollback] to revert to the previous editor.
    • Click on [undo] to revert to the previous edit.
    • To clarify, click on [undo] and leave an explanation in the Edit Summary.
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EditWarnings

  • Editors that cannot cooperate may be blocked. Keeping this in mind, take great care when performing the revert function on other member's contributions that the edit you are reverting is the work of a vandal, not simply the edit you do not agree with.

EditRelated wikiHows

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Respond to Personal Attacks on wikiHow

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Patrol Recent Changes on wikiHow

How to
React to Vandalism on wikiHow

How to
Prevent Wiki Vandalism

Article Info

Categories: Help | Patrolling

Recent edits by: Neon Heart, BR, Adelaide1230

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