Solved Windows 8 File History Nightmare!

kiko

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Member
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14
Hi guys ive literally just came across your forum.:D
I wanted to backup my stuff....I came across 'file history' after watching a video tutorial i thought great his is the job for me. Turned it on and off it went.
Ok no problem there, i had it set to back up every day and it did. Problem is, is has backed up ALL my files every day (not just the new ones) so im left with 30 copies of the original backup and no disc space left..
Del vostro 220

How can i delete all the file history?
Ive deleted some programs and copied photos onto an external drive so i could do a system restore, but that didnt help, now i cant find any of the file history, and my hard drive is still full...
Ive seen this problem on other forums but no one seems to have any idea!!
Someone please help..
ps i can take some screenshots and let you see what ever you want, settings etc.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Im having the same problem as this guy.
It doesn't just copy the new changes, it starts again and makes a copy of everything (all 15gb) like Ive just turned t on for the first time.. So now ive no space left on my HD and 23 copies of all files and folders.
Can or how can i delete all the saved files from file history?

There obviously on my HD somewhere but i cant find them.:confused:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
In File History window, click the link Advanced Settings on the left. There you can delete older File History backups:

2013-04-23_002605.png

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Tried that earlier, it said couldnt find any older files.
Tried it again just now Untitled.png
Error is. 80040301

Thanks for your interest and help.:D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
That error message normally means the File History is not turned on.

Please take a screenshot showing your File History, I want to see the part highlighted in the below image:

2013-04-23_120633.png

Also please tell if you have moved your personal files (Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music etc.) on another location than the the default C:\Users\Your_Username

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Kari,
I had to turn it off as it kept making new copies of all the history. I dont know if i moved the history or where too.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
Turn the File History on and make the screenshot as per request in my previous post.

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Untitled1.png
The first time it wouldnt stop copying the same files so i tried changing to an external drive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
Your File History storage is set to a folder in a network drive. Using Select Drive link on the left change the location to a local drive, answer Yes when it asks if you want to move current backup files. Test if it works now. If yes, repeat the step above and set the storage back to a network drive if you want to.

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Local Drive isnt showing. just 'add network location'

Untitled2.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
I really do not know why your File History is behaving like this. One explanation could be the storage space, not having enough free space.

I would recommend you to do the following:
  • Turn File History off
  • Delete all File History folders (check the root of every drive you have), according to your earlier screenshot in your case the folder(s) can also be named File History1 so delete these, too. Notice that in doing this you will completely lose all file history data
  • Reboot
  • After reboot before doing anything else run SFC / SCANNNOW command as many times as needed, rebooting after every run (tutorial: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/3047-sfc-scannow-command-run-windows-8-a.html)
  • After last scan, reboot once more
  • Start File History
Come then back here and tell if it is working as supposed.

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Yes there was 180gb of free space when i started, it just kept copying the same files over and over now theres no space left.
Back to my original query, how do i delete all File history, and how do i check the root of every drive I have..:eek:
Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
Instructions on what I recommended you to do in my previous post, here some clarifications.

Turning File History off:

2013-04-25_012534.png

When that's done, open Explorer and check each hard disk for a folder called File History, FileHistory or FileHistory1. Delete all these folders.

Reboot and continue as told in my previous post.

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Untitled3.png


Ive checked all these folders and nothing that resembles file history.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
I have noticed a file marked as '$OF' (looks like a Dollar sign)
It seems to have every photo, word doc, all documents etc but not sure wheather they're copies or originals. (if you know what i mean)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
And another one called 'c' it seems to have a load of data too. The $of one has over 80gb and this one has over 90gb
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
Right click both folders, select Properties, post screenshots here.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Ive just noticed the dates when created..:D hoping that means they were copied then..right? so they would be what i want to delete..?

Untitled4.png Untitled5.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Antivirus
    Bullguard
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