Data Backup Digest

Windows 8 has a built in file backup tool called File History. It is possible that something could go wrong when using it, however. If this happens then you will see a notification appear at the far right of the taskbar. If you select the message you will be taken to the Action Center to try and fix the problem (or you can load it from the Control Panel). This article will look at some of the notifications you could see and how to go about resolving the issue.

Select a different File History drive
If your File History drive is running low on space (or has run out completely) then you are likely to see this message. To sort it out, load up the File History tool and then select ‘Change drive’. You will then be taken to a ‘Change your File History drive’ page. If you wish to use a new external drive, just attach it to the computer, refresh the page and then select ‘OK’. If you are wanting to use a network location, select ‘Add network location’, browse or enter the location, choose ‘Select folder’ and then ‘OK’. With either method you will be asked whether or not you want to copy all of the versions of your files to the new drive.

Change how long File History retains files
Again, this will be appearing if the File History drive is getting low on space. You can free up space by altering how often File History backs up your files and how far back it stores them. Open up the File History tool and select ‘Advanced Settings’. Once here, either select ‘Save copies of files’ or ‘Keep saved versions’ and select a time interval. Finally, select ‘Save changes’.

Reconnect your drive
It may just be a case of needing to reconnect your drive. To do so, open the File History tool and select ‘Reconnect drive’. That’s all there is to it.

Reselect your File History drive
Some errors in the settings can be fixed my reselecting the drive in use for File History. To do so, open the File History tool and choose ‘Select drive’. On the ‘Select a File History drive’ page, select the drive or network location in use and then ‘OK’.

Check the File History drive for errors
If you get this message then there are errors on the drive that need to be repaired before File History can continue to operate. To resolve them, open up Action Center (search for it in the sidebar) and then select ‘Repair’.

Re-enter your network credentials
If you see this then there may be a problem with your username or password (or both of them). Ensure that the network you’re connecting to is still available and accessing. If it is, then try re-entering your network credentials. To do this, load the File History tool and then select ‘Re-enter credentials’. In the dialog box that opens, enter your username and password, select ‘Remember my credentials’ and then ‘OK’. Refresh the page if you don’t see such a dialog box.