'backtracking' is equally often used in a
metaphoric sense, or one not connected with the literal meaning given by
Marvinius, of
retracing your steps, going back to the last
junction and trying a different
route.
You may well have to backtrack if your changes to a computer program, for example, do not have the required result; reload your backup (you did have a backup?), and try again. Similar to Back to Square One, but perhaps requiring additional work to get back to that pristine state.