File History isn't working

Hi! Alan. Thanks for the details. I'm here to help.

That Event ID 200 / File History-Core error usually means File History is broken because the configuration file got corrupted during the copy/migration from Windows 10 → 11. That’s why “Run now” does nothing. Here's the Most Reliable Fix for File History Error 200

1. Stop the File History service

Press Win + R, type:

services.msc

Find File History Service → Right-click → Stop.

2. Wipe corrupted File History configuration

Open File Explorer and paste this path (replace alanr if needed):

C:\Users\alanr\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory

Delete the entire Configuration folder (not just its contents).

This is where the broken XML files are that cause the Event ID 200 error.

3. Reset File History on the external drive

On your backup drive, open the FileHistory folder.

If you want to keep old backups: rename it (e.g. FileHistory_old). If you don’t care: delete it.

This ensures Windows doesn’t try to reuse corrupted catalogs.

4. Re-enable File History

Open Control Panel → File History (or Settings → Backup → More options).

Select your external drive again.

Click Turn on (or Run now).

Windows will build a clean configuration and start backing up.

5. Verify

Check Event Viewer → Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → FileHistory → Operational.

You should now see Backup cycle started (Event ID 100) and no more 200 errors.

Files should begin appearing in your external drive’s FileHistory folder.

See if this helps. If you need further assistance, just let me know.

Best regards,

Kimberly