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How do I do a full backup of files from my PC when my external hard drive only saves latest files

Anonymous
2023-01-17T10:41:12+00:00

I normally backup my PC running Windows 10 to an external hard drive. My 400GB external hard drive became full so I couldn't backup any more. I then did a backup to OneDrive which is ok.

I want to use my external hard drive to make backups so I deleted the old files to make space. But when I ran a backup to the hard drive it only saved 18GB of the newest files; those that hadn't been backed up to the hard drive before. There is 354GB of free space on the external hard drive.

I have done research online and maybe the PC thinks those files have already been backed up. It was suggested to delete File History except the latest backup and I did that. I then did a backup but again only the latest files were backed up. So it must be something else.

Could you please help me? I want to do a full backup to the external hard drive and would really appreciate some help.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. DYARI BARHAM 33,366 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-01-17T13:18:53+00:00

    Hi Bernard,

    I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out. I will be happy to assist you in this regard.

    If you have essential files and data inside your external hard drive, transfer them to somewhere else like OneDrive, Google drive or another external hard drive. Then, click on Start > Run CMD as administrator > Type these commands and hit enter after each one:

    diskpart

    list disk

    select disk X (replace X with the external hard disk number shown in list disk)

    clean (it will wipe out all data inside your hard disk)

    create partition primary

    After that, close the CMD. Double click on the external hard disk from File explorer > It may ask you to Format it and click on Format disk > Change the file system to NTFS > Click on Start to format the external hard disk.

    Then, check to see if you are able to backup all your data or not.

    More instructions about Windows File History to Back Up your data:

    https://www.howtogeek.com/74623/how-to-use-the-...

    Please let me know if you need further assistance and keep me updated.

    ____________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-01-17T16:39:50+00:00

    Before I got your reply I looked up disk management and saw that the external drive did not have a Drive Letter. I allocated a Drive letter and then could see it in File explorer. I set backup working and it has been happily saving my files.

    Thank you very much for your help which has solved my problem.

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  2. DYARI BARHAM 33,366 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-01-17T15:12:59+00:00

    Kindly right click on Start > Disk Management > Take a screenshot and post it back.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-01-17T15:08:53+00:00

    Hi Dyari,

    Thank you for helping me with this. I have got as far as "Create Partition Primary" ok and closed the CMD.

    When I open File Explorer I cannot see the external hard drive (G Drive). File History says it is disconnected. How do I reconnect it?

    Could you advise me please?

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