Last updated on January 21st, 2020
The Windows 10 error: “Reconnect your drive. Your File History drive was disconnected for too long. Reconnect it and then tap or click to keep saving copies of your files”, appears because the ‘File History’ backup drive has corrupted, disconnected or failed.
At the same time, the following error appears in Control Panel > File History: “We can’t finish copying your files. Connect you File History drive and refresh this page to continue.” {‘File History’ disk was disconnected (not found)}.
How to FIX: Your File History drive was disconnected for too long.
To fix the “File History drive was disconnected” error, follow the instructions below according your case:
Case A. Reconnect the missing Drive.
If you have accidentally disconnected the ‘File History’ drive, then just reconnect it to eliminate the error “File History drive was disconnected for too long”.
Case B. Repair Hard Drive’s Problems.
If the drive is connected, but has becomes corrupted, then fix the drive problems by using the “Check Disk” (CHKDSK) command. To do that:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. To do that:
1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the ‘Run’ command box
2. Type CMD and then press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER.
2. In command prompt give the following command and press Enter:
- chkdsk X: /F
* Note: Replace the letter “X” in the above command, accordingly the “File History” drive letter. (e.g. If the File History drive letter is “G” then the command will be: “chkdsk G: /F”)
3. When the disk repair is completed, restart your computer and see if the error has fixed. If you still receive the error, then proceed to diagnose the ‘File History’ drive for problems and replace it if needed.
Case C. Turn Off the File History.
If the drive has failed (is OFF) and you don’t want to use a different drive to back up your files, then proceed to turn off the file history to eliminate the “Reconnect your drive. Your File History drive was disconnected for too long” error.
1. Navigate to Control Panel -> System and Security -> File History.
2. At File History settings click the Turn off button.
3. Close the File History options and go to Start -> Settings -> Update & Security.
4. Click Backup on the left and then click More Options.
5. Scroll down and click Stop using drive.
6. Then open Windows Explorer and navigate to the following location on the disk: *
C:UsersUsernameAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindows
* Note: Where “Username“ = Your Username (account name).
7. Explore the contents of the “Windows” folder and delete the “FileHistory” folder if found.
That’s it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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