Windows 10: File History can't see my restore files.

This seems to be a common problem yet I still can't fund a solution. I used File History to back up my data to an external hard drive before reformatting my laptop and doing a clean install of Windows 10. I have named the laptop the same name and my username is the same.


I used the method here to try to restore my files: https://www.techrepublic.com/articl...-data-files-to-a-new-windows-10-installation/


It is not working. I can't see my old backup history. All I can see is the one that was just created, and all the folders are blank, because I just did a clean install.


I can see all my files when I navigate to the XHD. They have the date stamps. I hate this.


How can I restore my files without the date stamps? Why isn't File History seeing my files that are very clearly RIGHT THERE? They are ALL THERE but it doesn't realize they exist.


Please don't tell me not to use File History because it's being phased out. That does not help me restore my files which are saved in File History.

:)

 

File History - restore

Hello godfaher,

The tutorial below can help show step by step on how to restore a file backed up by File History in Windows 10.

Restore Files or Folders from File History in Windows 10

 

File History Restore Not Working

My apologies for my not explaining my problem clearly.

File History would always list my external drive. It would not list the File History backup subfolder, "Computer Name", which contained my backup.

I completed the 5 steps you recommended, and in step (4), using Windows Explorer, I opted to change the name to "File History.old" instead of deleting it. Had I deleted it, all my backup files that I want to reload onto drive C would have been gone.

When I look at the external backup drive in Windows Explorer it now shows 4 folders, $RECYCLE.BIN, FileHistory, FileHistory.old and System Volume Information. Bottom line, FileHistory contains only the backed up data currently on Drive C as a result of step
5, while FileHistory.old contains the data I wish to reload.

Now when I go to Control Panel/File History/Select drive, and select the external backup drive, only the subfolder contained in FileHistory shows up. The subfolder contained in FileHistory.old, which contains the data I wish to restore, is still not listed.
When I select "Restore personal files" it only shows folders associated with FileHistory.

Thanks for your attention and help, but I am now resigned to copying and pasting the files that I need to restore. I totally yield to the higher power that is Microsoft.

Again thanks,

RP

 

File History won't work, says insufficient space

Hi,

It is possible that the user profiles are also being restored when restoring your files in
File History. We suggest that you manually choose the files you want to restore. Here are the steps:

• Go to Control Panel.
• Search for File History.
• Click the Restore personal files option on the left pane of your screen.
• Select the folders you want to restore and then click the restore icon.

Note: Make sure that you don't copy the duplicated folders listed.

Feel free to get back to us if you need further assistance.