Errors encountered within File History are typically notified by a message displayed in the notification area, or on the Taskbar. File History is a Windows 8.x feature that caches, or backs up various versions of your documents and other data files, and allows you to “travel through time” in case of recovering any lost/deleted content. It’s a great feature that builds on prior technologies incorporated by Microsoft, like Previous Versions, and is handy to all users.
The foremost solution which is always encouraged is checking your PC primary healthiness and restoring any discrepancy that perhaps is bringing about the disturbance:
- Step 1 : Download Systimizer – PC Cleaner Tool (Compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7 & XP)
- Step 2 : Click “Scan” to find Windows issues
- Step 3 : Click “Fix” to eliminate all troubles
Unfortunately, if your system is hinting towards a failed File History process and is demanding immediate resolutions, don’t sweat! View the error message in Action Center and compare with the list of notifications highlighted in this article. Once identified, take appropriate steps to solve the case.
To use Action Center, follow these steps:
- Point to the top edge of your screen and drag down to choose Search
- Type Action Center in the search box and click Settings
- Click the icon
- Note the File History error listed under Maintenance
Note: if you are unable to see the message, go to Change Action Center settings and check File History
Message 1: Select a different File History drive
If your File History drive is running short of space, you can start afresh with a new drive, or copy existing files to a larger module.
To start over with a new drive
- Press Windows + W keys to launch Search under Settings
- Type File History and click the icon from results
- Click Select drive from the left pane
- Highlight the new drive and click OK
To move files into a new drive
- Go to Select drive formerly explained
- On the Change your File History drive page, do one of the following:
- Connect an external device and select it after refreshing the page
- Click Add network location, browse to a location and then Select folder to use a network location
- When prompted, click Yes to copy all data to the new location
Message 2: Change how long File History keeps files
This happens when your drive is almost full, but you can free up space by limiting the amount of time it holds the older file versions.
- Open File History box
- Choose Advanced settings
- Under versions:
- Specify an appropriate time to Save copies of files
- Determine time limit to hold data by changing Keep saved versions
- Click Save changes
Message 3: Reconnect your drive
If your selected drive is disconnected for too long, or you longer have space to save additional data, this message pops up on your screen. This can be fixed by re-plugging the device, or reselecting the network, and waiting for the next scheduled backup.
Message 4: Check your File History drive for errors
In this case, your system is reported to encounter internal errors residing in your program. To resolve this, use the Repair option.
- Open Action Center
- Click Repair
- Wait while the system corrects the error
Message 5: Reenter your network sign-info info
This statement results from a problematic username or password information entered. First, make sure the network is still accessible. If everything’s working fine, enter your sign in info again and retry with the file copying process.
- Enter File History in Start menu’s search box and choose File History settings
- Click Enter network credentials
- Enter your username and password in the next window
- Check Remember my credentials
- Click OK
