Windows 10: URGENT : Unable to Backup using File History on Windows 10

Two days ago I woke up to my computer doing THIS when it restarted to perform regular Windows Updates. So since I am on a Laptop with no real tech skills during a Pandemic, I opted to simply invest in a new laptop and begin backing up my information while the Hard Drive is still able to survive.


Problem is, I ran into bad clusters when trying to use Image Recovery to copy all my settings, so I figured I'd settle for trying to setup a normal recovery to an Seagate external hard drive to at least save my nearly 10 years worth of data. But NOW no matter what I try, File History is not actually backing up my files no matter what I try. It always says the backup size is 0 bytes and depending which folders I include it either completes instantly with nothing showing up on the external drive, or it says its transferring infinitely and never shows any progress until I cancel it.


I have tried running various Command Prompt fixes to try to sort this out, tried any combination of files to backup and nothing is working. I have no idea what to do and I'm starting to panic that all of my files are stuck on this failing computer until it dies completely. I cannot afford to lose everything.

:)

 

File History does not backup automatically

Hi,

Thank you for writing us back.

I would suggest you to go through the below steps:

• 
  Press Windows key+I.
  
• 
  Click on Update and security.
  
• 
  On the left pane, click on backup and select on under automatically back up my files.
  
• 
  Click on more option under on button.
  
• 
  Select every hour (default) under back up my files.
  
• 
  Select forever (default) under keep my files.
  

Also refer the link below link and check if it helps:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/set-drive-file-history

Also work in Windows 10

I hope this helps. Please post back with the status of the issue and we will be glad to assist you further.

 

Unable to create File History backup with error: "File History doesn’t recognise this drive" on Windows 10

Hi Brain,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

I understand your concern about creating a File History backup on your drive, we will help you with this issue.

This issue might have occurred because the drive is not detected as a backup drive on Windows 10.

Do let us know the following to assist you better with this issue:

• Where have you tried to create the backup when you say: "old windows 7 backup and restore is still on the computer"?
• What is the complete error message/ error code of this issue?
• Were you able to see all the files and folders on your computer before creating the backup?

I suggest you to refer to the Microsoft article about: What if something
goes wrong in File History? and check if it helps.

(Applies to Windows 10 as well)

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of this issue and required information, we will be happy to help you further.

 

File History Backup Win 10

Just a suggestion but have a look at Best Free File History Alternative for Windows 8/8.1/10
Free version has incremental backups only.