Could not clean up file history data. Element not found.

Question

Hi, I'm trying to clear my file history, but I keep getting this frustrating error. I don't know what is causing it; and it doesn't seem to have any error code or error log file, making it very difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. I have tried everything to fix it. I have watched countless videos and read countless articles, and they all tell me to do the same exact things, but none of them actually work.

I am running Windows 10 version 22H2 (x64)

More details about my computer:

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700HQ CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.60 GHz
Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.9 GB usable)
System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Pen and touch No pen or touch input is available for this display

Edition Windows 10 Pro
Version 22H2
Installed on ‎10/‎30/‎2022
OS build 19045.2965
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.19041.1000.0

Answer 1

Hey, how you doing?

Thank you for contacting us and welcome to the Microsoft Community.

My name is Vitor. I'm an Independent Advisor and I'll be glad to help you today.

This error can be caused by a lack of disk space. I'm entering some methods to free up storage and try again to clear the history.

When completing each step, check the result of the procedure/command. Not being solved, perform the next step.

Perform a disk wipe.

1. In the Windows search box, type "Disk Cleanup".
2. In the open window select the drive that is full.
3. Select the "Files to be deleted" in the list. Note that the size is shown next to it. Note that above states that "You can use Disk Cleanup to free up X of Y space".
4. After making the selection, click "Clear System Files".
5. If prompted again, choose the drive and click "Ok". It will be scanned again and probably with more files to be deleted.

Delete files from the Temp folder

1. Press Windows + R and type "%temp%" (without quotation marks).
2. In the opened folder, click one of the files and press Ctrl + A.
3. Press and Delete key.
4. Select "Do this for all current items". Click "Ok".

Remove files from downloads.

1. Press Windows + R and enter the path: C: Windows SoftwareDistribution Download and click "Ok".
2. In the opened folder, click one of the files and press Ctrl + A.
3. Press and Delete key.
4. Select "Do this for all current items". Click "Ok".

Thanks

Vitor S.

Answer 2

This error can be caused by a lack of disk space. I'm entering some methods to free up storage and try again to clear the history.

The error still occurs, even when both the system drive and the FileHistory drive have plenty of space available. In my case, 300GB available out of 1TB on system drive and 2.4TB available on FileHistory drive.