Create custom library in Win11

Hi

I'm trying to create a custom library which I can then use in File history.

I try to add a folder to a brand new custom library by opening the properties window for the library, click Add, select the folder, and click Include folder. The folder then appears as a Library location in the properties window. I then click OK and the properties window closes. However, if I then look in the library, it says that no folders have been added to the library. If I click on the Include a folder button, select the folder in question, click on Include folder, the folder selection window closes but the library contents don't change - it still says that no folders have been added to the library.

If I look at the library-ms file, it shows that an entry for the selected folder has been entered in the PropertyStore (<url>C:\Data</url>).

It appears that libraries are functioning fine when they are accessing system folders which are accessed with an address such as "<url>knownfolder:{FDD39AD0 ... </url>" , but not when accessing a custom folder which is accessed using a simple address like "<url>C:\Data</url>".

I have also noticed that, if I use the context menu for my selected folder to select Include in library, I do not have an option on the context menu to create a new library. The option to create a new library is simply missing from the context menu and I just get the list of already existing libraries. If my library already exists, trying to add the folder to that library doesn't change the library contents.

The folder is included in my file indexing.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Simon

Welcome to the forum. I don't pretend to know about libraries because I don't use them. Just curious if you followed this tutorial to the letter when you created the library.

Hi

Thanks for your reply. I don't use libraries either, except that I'm trying to reinstate the File history app. I had it working a couple of years ago, and libraries is the only way to specify which files are to be backed up

Yes I did, at least so far as I was able. As I mentioned, the "create new library" isn't on the context menu.

Simon

The "New > Library" option is normally available only when Libraries are enabled and you're viewing the Libraries area in File Explorer.
Just for my clarification try these steps exactly

1. Open File Explorer. Do you see a the folder "Libraries" in the navigation pane (on the left)? If you do, libraries are enabled. If you do not, right click in an empty area of navigation pane and select "show libraries.".

2. You should then see the folder named "Libraries" in the navigation pane. Open it.

3. (while in the main Libraries folder) right click in an empty area of the main right pane of file explorer. You should see "New". When selected, you should see "Library"

Let me know what happens when you get this far.

simonbike said:

I don't use libraries either, except that I'm trying to reinstate the File history app.

Click to expand...

File history was broken and may still be.