File History - Alternate to Memeo WD Anywhere backup

Hello All,

After windows 8.1 upgrade, just like you, I ran into WD Memeo Backup incompatibility issues. I tried bunch of options to get it to work but failed and got only one message "WD Anywhere Backup cannot be run under this version of windows" and Memeo does not have any plans to extend support for this version of backup software.

Solution

I tried couple of options, like FreeFileSync, Synkronizer etc, to get my backup plan up and running but finally settled down with Windows 8.1 "File History" program. It's bit messy in terms of setting up, unless you know "how it does". But once you get it right you will be happy that you do not have to reply on any third party program and worry about any installation/un-installation.

I am listing out steps which will help you to set your backup.

Few concepts before we proceed.

1. "File History" program manages backing up files using your "library folders".
2. By default it will backup all Library Folders(My Documents, My Music, My Videos etc), Desktop, Contacts, and couple of more items including One Drive(only offline files).
3. You can setup "exclude list" to exclude any folders that you might want to be part of backup.
4. Setup Network Folder from your WD Network Hard Disk.
5. Few "Advanced Setting" options to set frequency and version.

Let's get to work !!!

Note: By Default all libraries(Default and Custom) will get selected for backup. So do not set "File History" to ON unless you have all exclude list setup(as in Step 2) to avoid unnecessary files to be part of backup plan.

Step 1 (optional): Setup a new Library Folder and have folders listed in it that you want to be part of backup plan.

• As shown in below image, open Explorer, Right click on "Documents" -> Include In Library -> "Create new library"
• Provide a name for your library
• New Library folder will get listed under Homegroup as shown in picture below.

Create Library Folder

• Now under manage tab, click on "Manage Library" folder.
• Add folders that you want to be the part of backup plan.
• That's it setting up your Library Folder.

Step 2: Press Windows key from your desktop and key in "File History" for search and select "File History" and Setup "Exclude Folders"

Launch File History

File History

Step 3: Network Directory share.

• Create new share or use already existing share from your WD Network Hard Drive.
• Open WD Drive in explorer, and you will list of all shared folders.
• Right Click on desired backup folder and click on "Map Network Drive"

Step 4: From Start Menu, search for "File History" and go to "File History Settings"
Turn On "File History" and Select newly mapped network drive.

File History Settings

And your backup process should commence !!!

Step 5: Configure frequency and version settings
Open the "File History" window as mentioned in step 2, and goto "Advanced  Setting" options and make necessary changes.

Once a cycle of backup completes, you can clear your memeo backup files and un-install memeo backup program.

That's all folks !!! :)

Thanks.