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How could File History fail to save important files? I thought it was almost invincible. What happened to my files?

Anonymous
2023-03-28T06:41:24+00:00

Recently, I've found a couple of folders to be empty of important files. I use a password manager and all recent files for the password manager were missing. Particularly distressing was the fact that even folders saved by File History were deficient with only a few assorted files remaining available. All recent edits done in the past few days seem to have vanished. Please let me know how to find these files and avoid this issue in the future. Thank You.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-29T23:38:27+00:00

    Hello Henry. I'm Greg, here to help you with this.

    You can run Recuva on the File History drive to see what it finds: http://www.piriform.com/recuva/features

    Are you sure all the locations you selected were being backed up. Choose the locations for File History to back up:

    https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/work-life...

    But I do not recommend File History due to number of files I've seen lost. It especially has a problem when connecting it to a new PC to transfer files, and will wipe out the entire archive because it thinks you're setting up a new one instead - unless you follow these exact steps:

    https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-cor...

    Here are easy, free (or cheap) ways to have a mult-layered backup so you never lose files: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

    Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back, I will have other suggestions if necessary.

    ____________________________________________

    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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  2. Anonymous
    2023-03-29T06:33:13+00:00

    Mario, thanks for your time and effort.

    I checked the usual suspects and no missing files were located. But the most startling thing about this is finding that even if you configure File History correctly, your files aren't protected or even backed-up. I'd always figured that if something went wrong, File History had my back. Look like that no longer true, eh? So what you think Mario?

    Thank you again for your help.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-28T07:27:38+00:00

    Hi HenryLaCroix,

    I am Mario and I am a independent advisor, and I would like to help you.

    Check the file history backup location, restore to a previous backup or check the Recycle Bin. To avoid this issue in the future, use an external drive or network location and regularly check your backups.

    Hope this can help you solving the issue.

    Best regards,

    Mário

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-03-29T10:21:04+00:00

    Hello and thanks again, Mario.

    Yes, I see that File History is not foolproof. I hope the mirror image I saved will be any good if needed. Cloud sounds good as well. But I just wonder why is it that some or certain files were not backed up. Moreover, File History has always been saved on a Seagate Goflex Free Agent external drive on this computer. So, it looks like File History is no longer reliable. Yes? No?

    Nevertheless, what do I need to do to retrieve the missing files? You are an advisor and while you don't got all the answers, hopefully you figure this one out.

    Many thanks again Mario.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-03-29T07:26:41+00:00

    File History is a useful tool for backing up and restoring files, but it's not foolproof. It's important to have multiple backup methods, cloud storage, and an external hard drive to ensure your files are backed up and protected if one fails.

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