Windows 10: Windows 10 file history backup for drive D not working

Hi everyone:

I'm trying to set up a File History backup from a Windows 10 desktop to an external 4TB hard drive. I have a large internal 1TB drive D: that I've redirected all my user folders to (documents, desktop, pictures, music, etc.) so for convenience I want to just backup drive D, which I added to the file history list of folders to include in the backup.

But it hasn't backed up anything, even if I click "Backup now" it tries for a little bit and does nothing.

What am I missing there?

:)

 

File History not working with internal backup drives.

Hi PeteComp,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I'll need a few more details to analyze your concern & provide an accurate solution:

• Did you make any changes to the computer prior to this issue?
  
• How much space is left out on the back up drive?
  

This issue might occur if some system files are not working properly or
if it doesn't have enough space to save temporary versions of your files. To continue saving copies of your files, you'll need to re add your File History drive and check.

I suggest you to follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned below:

Method 1:

1. Press Windows
   and R
   key together on your Keyboard.
   
2. Type Services.msc and hit enter.
   
3. Search for Software Protection, Volume Shadow Copy and Windows BackupDouble click on the service and select
   Automatic under start up type.
   
   
4. Click on Start, Apply and Ok.
   
   
5. Restart the computer and check if is working now.
   
   

Method 2:

1. Go to Control Panel
   > Click on System and Security>
   Click on File History > Turn off.
   
2. Click on Settings >Go to Update & Security > select Backup on the left pane.
   
3. On the right pane, select
   more options > Click on Stop using this drive.
   
4. Delete the File History folder in your drive.
   
   Note: Deleting File history back up will remove all the versions of the Files. Make sure you take the back up on the external drive, before deleting it.
   
   
5. Start using File History again.
   

Try to setup the interval time, make some changes on the file and check if File history back up is working at the mentioned time.

Method 3: Try with External drive

You can connect the external drive and follow the procedure to setup the drive again. Here is the information about
Backup and restore your files

Hope it helps.

Roohi Taj S

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

File History backups from 2 hard drives?

Hi everybody,

First time here and I would like to put out a question concerning File History.

My PC has several hard drives, drive C:\ of course with the OS and programs (M.2 drive) and drive D:\, an SSD for my data, mainly photos. The backups are done to a third, internal 1Tb hard drive.

I set up File History to include the drive D:\ (added it in the list in settings).

Now it appears to actually back up the files from drive D:\ - I checked by opening the File History directory on the backup drive!

When I open File History to try to recover versions of my files I see only the 'normal' places listed (Desktop, Documents, One Drive etc). No trace of my drive D:\.

What am I missing here? How can I make sure I can recover files from this drive with File History if need be.

By the way I also tried putting the various folders from drive D:\ into the FH settings list instead (D:\Lightroom etc) of the whole drive - same result.

Running Windows 10 Pro - latest updates all done!

I'd appreciate any help here

Thanks a lot

 

Windows 10: Can't Change File History Drive

I have two external hard drives, call them D and E. Until now, since Windows 10, I've done both Windows 7 Backup and Restore and Windows 10 File History on Drive D. Now I want to switch the Windows 10 File History to Drive E and keep backing up Windows 7
Backup and Restore on Drive D. Both Windows 7 Backup and Restore and Windows 10 File History recognize Drive E. However, when I go to Add-a-Drive and try to choose Drive E for Windows 10 File History (Drive E, again, showing up on the list of choices) Add-a-Drive
won't recognize Drive E as a choice. I know this because when I thereafter click on "More Options," I'm taken to the File History page which still shows Drive D as the backup drive for File History.

There is also a message on the File History screen: "You're already backing up your files. To stop using your current backup drive, go to Backup and Restore." But in Backup and Restore, there's no way to turn off Windows 10 File History without turning off
Windows 7 Backup and Restore. Nor does there appear to be any way to stop either program dead in its tracks and start all over again fresh. It seems on the surface to be a relatively simple problem but I can't get my head around it and would most appreciate
some help.