I have two laptops, both with Windows 10. I want to put File Histories from each onto one external drive. How can I be sure the two File Histories will not merge into one? Is it a case of setting up separate partitions on the the external drive and in effect having separate drives? If so how does one go about this? Many thanks.
Since you you want to place the file histories on an External drive, I would just give each system their own Folder (ie /system1_history, /system2_history). A lot easier than setting up multiple partitions. However, if your using Windows File history backup Feature, the external drive needs to be attached and online to both systems at one time. Sharing a external drive unless attached to some sort of network switch, can't be attached to 2 separate systems via USB/ESata one time ? If your performing a image type backup of files, then you can insure the backup drive is available when needed.
You need do nothing, File History should take care of keeping the various histories separate. The file structure starts at the top with a folder in the name of the user who's history it is. Beneath that is a folder with the name of the PC from which the history came, and within that are folders containing the data from that particular PC and its configuration.
Another PC will have its own folder in its own name. Multiple users and/or PCs should be able to share the same History drive without a risk of their histories getting mixed up. Sharing a drive between PCs is easier if it is a network drive. Mine is a usb HDD plugged into a usb port on my router.
Whilst it is true you do not have to do anything as the folders are under the Account Name and PC name folders.
I use separate folders suitably named just to make sure each is more identifiable.
"...I use separate folders suitably named just to make sure each is more identifiable."
I want to learn from your experience, I'm trying to visualize what it is that you do :)
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