Windows 10: Confused about backup

I'm new to Win 10 and yesterday tried to back up my files for the first time. I went to setting>update & security>backup and tried to backup on a flash drive (to transfer to ext. HD), but got a message that files not yet backed up. I then exported my Firefox folders and copied and pasted files. The screenshot you see is what is on my flash drive when I plug it into the USB port. However, when I did the copy, paste routine nothing came up indicating that I was copying (a bar w/how much time each folder, would take to be copied). My question is this: Is what I have on my flash drive a true backup? I can plug in the flash drive, download new files and put them (seemingly) on the drive. This morning when I opened "Backup", there were no options for backup...no files, etc. What should I do at this point. Thanks for your assistance.

:)

 

Windows Backup Confusion

Thank you for posting back. We're currently checking for an article or thread that has the same concern that we can use as a workaround. It seems there might be something in the folder that is not allowing the system to backup. We recommend that you perform
a
System File checker to scan and repair a possible missing or corrupted system files.

If you are asking for a third-party backup, we suggest that you check directly in any blogs or discussion online for best third-party backup utility.

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Confused about expiration?

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Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

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Thank you.

 

The backup in Win 10 doesn't work the way you're thinking it does. It's actually called "File History" and backs up your files automatically, once per hour (you don't have control over which files or when they get backed up, only which drive to use). Having it back up to a removable drive really doesn't make sense.

I would recommend a 3rd party backup program such as the free Macrium Reflect. It is a full fledged backup program that gives you lots of control over what gets backed up and when.

However, for what you were trying to do, move files to an external disk, a simple copy/paste operation would probably be sufficient. I'm curious though, why not connect the external disk to your computer and backup or copy the files directly there?

 

Sorry, but I'm struggling with Win 10 same as you. Wish I could help.

 

I'm using a flash drive because I'm using a laptop while sitting in a recliner. My external HD has a very short cord. Have I now disabled the automatic backup operation. when I got to Backup, there are no longer any options. Actually all I need to do is backup files and pics, so I guess a simple copy/paste would do. Will look in to Macrium Reflect. Thanks.

 

Actually you do have some control. Under File History's 'more options' you can manually 'Back up now', set the automatic interval anywhere between '10 minutes' and 'Daily', and choose which folders get backed up (or, more accurately, include or exclude specific folders). File History's one advantage is that it works away in the background without you noticing. Then, should you need it, previous versions are a right-click away on the file Properties.

No, it doesn't. I set it to use a drive on my network. If your router has a USB socket then a cheap and cheerful way to make a network accessible drive is to plug a USB hard drive into it.

There's no reason you can't do both - I do. File History plus my own backup programme. You can never have enough backups.

 

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I just posted a new thread re this problem. Sorry but forgot about this one. The other thread is "can't turn file history on". I've included the screenshot here that I also posted there, but I've gotten pretty frustrated dealing with this problem...even tried a system restore, but file history still off. Can't seem to turn it on through the control panel or file history.

 

File History is fixed and working fine. Do I still need to install the Dell Quickset utility?