Does Notepad++ backup pre-edited files anywhere?

Go to: Settings > Preferences > Backup.

Press start+R And Paste

%AppData%/Notepad++/backup

rename the the file you want to backup from this format "yourfile.php@2015-01-08_190914" to this format "yourfile.php" and take it to your work directory.

If Notepad++ crashes, and no data remains then

Press Start+R Then Paste: %AppData%/Notepad++/backup

You will see all backed up files there.