Windows 10: File History Error Message File History doesn't recognize this device

File history says my back up external drive is disconnected. It is connected. I've tried switching USB ports, updating USB drivers, renaming the external drive letter, using an entirely different external drive with a different drive letter, formatted the external drive, switched the drive cable to other USB ports on the computer, and everything else posted in the forums for this issue. As soon as I open file history, it has this message with the drive: "File History doesn't recognize this device." Trying to run it generates this message: "We can't copy files to this location. Your current Fil

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New problem with File History!

Hi,

To better assist you with your concern, I would like to ask few information:

• Which version of Windows are you using?
• Were there any recent changes that happened on your computer?
• Are you receiving any error messages? If yes, what is the exact error message?

You may also go to File History logs to check if there are any Warnings or Errors. To check logs, follow the steps below:

• Go to Control Panel.
• Click on File History.
• On the left hand side, click on Advanced Settings.
• In the Advanced Settings page, click on Open File History event logs to view recent events or errors.
• Check if there are any Warnings or Errors showing.

 

File History Drive Not Connected

Hi Thomas,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community. Let me help you.

• 
  When did you receive the error message?
  
• 
  Do you see any error code along with the error message?
  
• 
  Have you made any changes in settings prior to the issue?
  

I suggest checking the File History drive if it has enough space to save temporary versions of your files.

Meanwhile, I would like to suggest you refer to the following link to reconnect your drive.

What if something goes wrong in File History?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/what-something-goes-wrong-file-history

Applies to Windows 10.



Reply with the details and updated status of the issue. We will be happy to assist you further.

 

File History restart

Hi Jim,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community forums.



To change the backup drive for File History, the current process should be stopped. I suggest you to try the steps listed below to stop file history on an older drive and restart it on a new drive:



Change File History backup drive:

• Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security > Backup.
  
• Click on More Options, scroll down to locate
  Backup to a different drive section, and choose Stop Using Drive.
  
• Plug in the new storage drive, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Backup,
  and choose Add a Drive.
  
• Restart File History and configure it by referring to the article
  
  File History in Windows.
  

Hope it helps.

Regards,