File History Warning Event ID 204

pedro38

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My 12 month old Win 8 64 bit self-build pc has been very stable and as yet, no BSODs.

I want to update /upgrade to Win 8.1 (I have also acquired the ISO) and have managed to execute a File History to my Samsung USB3 1TB ext HDD as a safeguard in preparation. I would prefer to update via the Store to avoid having to reinstall all my programmes

However the File History event log is indicating yellow warning signs and Code 204 errors. Detail states: "Unusual condition was encountered during finalisation of back up cycle for configuration". I am concerned therefore that this might prevent me properly doing a File History recovery should I need to. Researching elsewhere indicates that 204 errors result from corrupted system files.

I have checked the Ext HDD which has the File History folder (12.5 GB) and all my files seem to have been copied OK.

I have some screen shots of the Event log, which I can post if needed but would appreciate any suggestions for rectifying my 204 error situation. I'm a bit wary of using some of the 3rd party 'fixes' on offer.

Thanks in advance
Pedro
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit w/Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home build
    CPU
    Core i7-3770
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X -UD5H LG1155 (V. 1.0)
    Memory
    Crucial 32Gb DDR3 1600mHz
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    1 x Samsung 1TB USB3 Ext HDD
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    OCZ ZS 650W
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    Corsair Carbide 400R
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    2 x Samsung SH-224 24x SATA ReWriter Optical Drives
    1 x NZXT 5.25" Internal Card Reader / 2 x USB3 ports
    Logitech C615 Webcam
    Hauppage WinTV 7 HD
Do you mean file history or creating a system image from the file history screen?

If you are trying to make a system image before upgrading then you could use Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download to make the system image.

In either case you should definitely consider making a full system image before upgrading in case something goes wrong.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
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    1440 x 800
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    40GB
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    Apple
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Thx for suggestion, but unless I can resolve the 204 error first, it will be perpetuated in any system image I might create.
Pedro
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit w/Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home build
    CPU
    Core i7-3770
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X -UD5H LG1155 (V. 1.0)
    Memory
    Crucial 32Gb DDR3 1600mHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte AMD Radeon GV-R785OC-2GB
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Lenovo L220 xwC ThinkVision
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    2 x Crucial M4 512Gb SSD
    1 x Samsung 1TB USB3 Ext HDD
    PSU
    OCZ ZS 650W
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 400R
    Cooling
    Noctua - C12P SE14
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless 5000 Series
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless 5000 Series
    Internet Speed
    35Mbs down 8Mbs up
    Other Info
    2 x Samsung SH-224 24x SATA ReWriter Optical Drives
    1 x NZXT 5.25" Internal Card Reader / 2 x USB3 ports
    Logitech C615 Webcam
    Hauppage WinTV 7 HD
It might be perpetrated, yes. On the other hand upgrade is pretty much a clean install in terms of the OS - the windows directory is archived and replaced with new (but you do keep all your programs etc). The problem therefore may well resolve itself.

I can't help with the error - perhaps someone else can - except you could try the steps here What if something goes wrong in File History? - Microsoft Windows Help
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
One thing to also note, File History has an odd habit of NOT copying (because it doesn't actually 'backup' just copies; no compression) all of the files it's suppose to.

My ~330GB of Music only has ~280GB in the File History under the 'driver letter folder'. The rest may be in the '$OF' folder, but I can't tell because all the files were renamed to something similar to: 4593 (2013_11_09 21_33_36 UTC).mp3 (file types are respected, just the file name is changed).

You're best bet is to get a 3rd party backup software, like Arconis True Image Home.

Also, you might want to invest in getting a 'media drive' and tell Windows to change the location of: Documents, Pictures, Music, Downloads, Desktop, and Videos to it.
*Remember to re-locate these folders if you do upgrade as Windows will set the folder locations back to their default locations/paths. --You won't lose any data, but you want be saving to the same location as you think you are.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro w/ Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Many thx illutian and adamf

I created a system image successfully and then took the plunge and have updated to 8.1 Pro with Media Center via the Store. It took quite a while but so far so good and my applications and files are fully accessible.
I'll let it settle down for a day and then create a Recovery disk and a system image. Next on the list for updating is my wife's laptop........
.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit w/Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home build
    CPU
    Core i7-3770
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X -UD5H LG1155 (V. 1.0)
    Memory
    Crucial 32Gb DDR3 1600mHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte AMD Radeon GV-R785OC-2GB
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Lenovo L220 xwC ThinkVision
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    2 x Crucial M4 512Gb SSD
    1 x Samsung 1TB USB3 Ext HDD
    PSU
    OCZ ZS 650W
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 400R
    Cooling
    Noctua - C12P SE14
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless 5000 Series
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless 5000 Series
    Internet Speed
    35Mbs down 8Mbs up
    Other Info
    2 x Samsung SH-224 24x SATA ReWriter Optical Drives
    1 x NZXT 5.25" Internal Card Reader / 2 x USB3 ports
    Logitech C615 Webcam
    Hauppage WinTV 7 HD
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