File History files in search results

I have a second HD I use both for storage and system backup. Today I needed to find some Corel stuff I have in it, so I did a search with Explorer. And just found that the results include many files identified like this:



These File History files, which are in a D:\FileHistory folder, show up in hundreds most of the times when I do a search like that.

I use Auslogics Duplicate File Finder and Easy Duplicate Finder from time to time and they also show them.

I wonder why that folder isn't hidden or set as a protected system file and why its files show in search results, both from these apps and Windows itself.

I can choose in Easy Duplicate Finder to exclude that folder from the scan, but not in Windows searches.

Is it normal that that folder isn't hidden or protected, or is it maybe an issue?

Is there a way to skip it while searching via Explorer?

TIA.

Windows 10 Pro 1909 18363.720

That image would appear as though you have some system/other programs installed on the D:\ drive ?

EDIT : Or are they part of the system "backup" ... ? How are you doing that backup, by just copying your system ?

idgat said:

That image would appear as though you have some system/other programs installed on the D:\ drive ?
EDIT : Or are they part of the system "backup" ... ? How are you doing that backup, by just copying your system ?

No other system installed on any disk. What I have "installed" there are portable versions of a bunch of programs, like HandBrake, LibreOfficePortable, and others.

Backup done via Settings > Update & security > Backup > More options, etc.

Bit confused about what you're backing up, and where (which could be why you've got system oriented files in system created folders amongst personal data files).

You've got a D drive that you use for storage and system backup, but also installations for portable programs ?

- storage of what?
- backing up what, and where from ?

It might be a good idea to think about moving the portable programs to a separate dedicated USB device. Mixing data and programs is not always a good idea.

Also having your data separate will minimise the search time, in not having to search through irrelevant non-data files.

idgat said:

Bit confused about what you're backing up, and where (which could be why you've got system oriented files in system created folders amongst personal data files).
You've got a D drive that you use for storage and system backup, but also installations for portable programs ?
- storage of what?
- backing up what, and where from ?
It might be a good idea to think about moving the portable programs to a separate dedicated USB device. Mixing data and programs is not always a good idea.
Also having your data separate will minimise the search time, in not having to search through irrelevant non-data files.

I used Windows 10's own backup functionality (no third party app) and chose the second HD for it, as described here.

I had a third internal HD just for that, but it crashed, so I used the second.

I can't remember if I used the option to include a system image. The Backup options area shows a list with stuff like Saved games, Links, Downloads, Favorites, Contacts, Desktop, 3D Objects, Searches, My Drivers, Images, Documents, etc. There's nothing in the list that resembles a system image or stuff like that.

AFAIK, portable apps don't "install" (the usual way or at all), that is, they don't go to C:\Program files or similar on the primary HD, they copy what's needed for them to run on USB flash drives, external HD's, or internal secondary HD's, so it seems they're no concern at this point.

Well, my questions remain unanswered, so please allow me to insist. Should that D:\FileHistory folder be a protected system file and not show up in search results? Or is it normal? Or is it maybe an issue? If it is an issue, how to fix it?
TIA again.

Not a protected system folder on my computers. Usually located C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\Microsoft\Windows\ which would suggest it's related to operational programs.

Even most portable programs need to be "installed", they don't just run from the downloaded .exe file. They can be redirected to an alternative installation destination (i.e. other than either of the program files system's folders). And when run, often need to create more files, usually temporarily that Windows is supposed to delete when the program is closed. And we all know Windows is not perfect in this regard.

AndreTen said:

Regarding your original question - can you exclude that folder from Windows search:
Go to Settings, and type in find settings box: indexing options
A window will appear, where you can select and deselect folders. You can also deselect file types if you want
More. tenforums tutorials | add-remove-search-index-locations-windows-10

I went right to Start menu > Settings > Search Windows > Excluded Folders > Add an excluded folder.
Now that folder is gone from search results.

Thanks a lot for the light!