Hi alocksley
Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.
I understand the issue you are facing with error 0x80070002 in File History when trying to change the destination drive. Based on the information provided, it seems like there might be a corruption in the File History configuration. Here are some steps you can try to resolve this issue:
> Reset the File History Configuration
Sometimes issues stem from a corrupted or misconfigured File History database. Even though you’ve already removed some files from C:\Users\*****\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory\Configuration, try these additional steps:
Stop File History: Use the Control Panel’s File History manager to stop the backup service.
Backup and Remove Configuration:
Rename (or move) the entire FileHistory configuration folder (both “Configuration” and “Data”) to a safe location. This forces Windows to reinitialize a clean configuration on the next start.
Restart your computer so that any locked handles are released.
Restart File History: Go back to the File History manager, choose “Select drive,” choose your network drive, and allow it to recreate the configuration files.
These steps can clear out any residual corruption that might be causing the error .
> Check Network Drive Access and Permissions
Even though you have confirmed that individual files can be copied manually to your network drive, File History can be more finicky with network locations. Consider these points:
Mapping and Consistency:
Ensure that you consistently map the network drive using a fixed drive letter and that it remains connected at login.
Instead of relying solely on the mapped drive letter, try using the UNC path (e.g., \server\share) when setting up File History.
Permissions:
Double-check that your user account has full control (read/write/modify) on the network share.
Verify that the share and NTFS permission settings do not conflict.
These adjustments ensure that File History isn’t tripped up by permission issues or network path inconsistencies .
> Check Windows Services and System File Health
Misbehaving system services or corrupted system files might also contribute to this error:
Confirm File History Service:
Open Services (Win+R, type services.msc).
Ensure the “File History Service” is set to Automatic and is currently running. Restart the service to see if that helps clear temporary glitches.
Run System File Checker and DISM:
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
Run the following command to verify integrity of Windows system files:
sfc /scannow
If SFC finds issues that it cannot resolve, subsequently run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Performing these checks addresses any underlying system file problems that could interfere with File History’s operation .
> Additional Considerations
Antivirus/Firewall Interference: Sometimes, security software might block File History’s access to the network drive. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall (if you have full control and understand the risks) and then try the backup again.
Remove “Move Existing Files” Option: If File History is stumbling over a migration step, try setting up a fresh backup without choosing the “move existing files” option. You might replicate your previous backups later if needed.
SMB Protocol and Network Configuration: Ensure that your network drive is sharing via an SMB version that Windows 10 supports. Occasionally, conflicts occur if the share’s configuration differs from what File History expects.
Perform Repair in-place upgrade: This will reinstall your Operating System and will keep your files and apps. This will take some time depending on the computer performance and internet speed. You can follow the steps from this link: How to do a Windows 10 Repair Upgrade - Microsoft Community
Please let me know if this helps.
Best Regards,
Lonex P.
Microsoft Moderator