Windows 10: How to fix the "element not found" error in File History on Windows 11?

Hi, So suddenly in Windows 11. When attempting to erase old filehistory backups, filehistory displays this message: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DWCAvMe4F87HXfGkZ1rqWJWOpMYcwe8f/view?usp=sharing Things I have tried, check and repair the disk, no errors. Sfc scannow, no errors, DISM commands completed no problem. Disconnect and reconnect the drive, no avail. Trying to delete the filehistory folder only results in filehistory not being able to find the usb backup drive. I am trying to do this as I realized too late that my old backups filled up the entire drive. I am wondering if any

:)

 

FIle History: Element not found when clean up old files since 2004/20H2

Hi,

this request is similiar to Redirecting

Other then he say, an In-place Upgrade did not solve the issue (did from 2004 to 20H2).

I am using file history since it was introduced in Windows 8 and it was always working as expected until 2004 arrived.

This is my configuration:

• I am using a networkdrive connected with SMB, so the path to backup is \\diskstation\Sicherung ASRock
• The NAS is is a Synology Diskstation DS218+
• my settings are to backup every 1 hour (does work) and clean up files obsolote files automatically after 1 month (does not work anymore)
• I am only backup folders from my D: drive (not the userfiles in the Default settings)

So since file history does not delete files older than 1 month, when I want clean it manually, I get the "Element not found" error.

Troubleshooting steps:

• I stoped and enabled file history -> same issue
• I deleted the file history files and start again -> same issue
• I also delete all file history backup files and also reseted the file history with the help of that: Reset File History to Default in Windows 10 -> same issue
• Today I did the In-Place upgrade. I used the official 20H2 MVS ISO file, started again a new file history from beginning and tried the option again -> but it's the same issue

So when we can expect a fix here?

No, I can't use the Feedback Hub, because it force me to enable Telemtry.

 

File History, "element not found"

Going back at least two years: Redirecting

I did some experimenting and it appears that:

1. When the backup drive reaches full capacity ...
   
2. It cannot clean itself up, and ...
   
3. Creates a non-surface error (soft error) on the drive that prevents all forms of older version cleaning-up
   
   1. CHKDSK shows no drive errors, so it is soft.
      

The problems here are manifest:

1. Backup does not warn the user of repeated backup failures, leaving them vulnerable.
   
2. The only cure is to reformat the backup drive, which in turn eliminates old versions that might be important in a recovery.
   
3. Microsoft looks to not give a damn about their users data security needs, because two years is a long time for a critical bug to be left unattended.
   

MSFT, you NEED to attend to this.

 

Windows 11 File History

Manny -

Previous Versions uses File History but it is to restore individual files, and also has it's own procedure and fixes here, which work the same for Windows 10 and 11:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/restore-previous... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://pureinfotech.com/enable-previous-versio...

To restore the full File History backup see here. It's very important to follow the steps closely or it may overwrite the backup because it thinks you're setting it up new:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/restore-files-or-...

https://websiteforstudents.com/how-to-restore-f...

https://www.guidingtech.com/how-to-use-file-his...

FIxes for File History not working:

https://www.ubackup.com/windows-11/windows-11-f...

https://www.tenorshare.com/data-backup/windows-...

https://www.ubackup.com/articles/windows-10-fil...



Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

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