I am new to Win 8 and have many questions about File History.

1. Does File History backup programs/applications? If so, can I restore a program from File History?

2. Installed a number of programs directly to the C; drive. They are not showing up in File History. How should I install these programs to insure they are backed up by File History?

3. Is there anyway to scan File History to locate particular data?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/how-use-file-history

"File History automatically backs up files that are in your libraries, contacts, favorites, Microsoft SkyDrive and on your desktop."

1. No.
2. You don't.
3. Instructions:

To restore your files
Restore your files by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering restore your files in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Restore your files with File History.

Enter the specific file you're looking for in the search box, or use the left and right arrows to browse your folders and files.

Select what you want to restore to its original location, and then tap or click the Restore button

If you want to restore your files to a different location than the original, press and hold or right-click the Restore button, tap or click Restore To, and then choose a new location.