Sync Deleted My Files?!?!

Hi Moja,

I thought that the files (almost all Word documents) were local, because when I would save them, they would say "Saved to PC" at the top.  I also tried going into This PC>C>Users and looking for my files, but the folders were empty again.    

My OneDrive is apparently still syncing, and I am now getting messages popping up that "We couldn't merge this file."   How long is syncing supposed to take?  I was thinking about 20 minutes, but it's been days.

The way that I THOUGHT that OneDrive worked was that I would hit "save" on my document, and it would simultaneously save to my computer AND to my OneDrive "cloud."  That way I could see the document on my computer even if I was offline, but if I was online on another computer, I could open my browser and get to it there.   Once I went back online with my regular computer (that had OneDrive installed), the changes would be made to the document, and it would be the same.   I was also told years ago by the tech guy who set this up for us that OneDrive would just automatically sync with my computer documents as long as I was connected to the internet.   I haven't found this to be the case.  This latest syncing episode started when I logged into my 365 account through my browser, went to OneDrive, and hit "sync."  

I am also seeing logos for OneDrive and for SharePoint.   What exactly is the difference?  When look at a file, it will show it as being saved in OneDrive.  However, when I hover the cursor over the top of the document, it will have what looks like a web address that shows SharePoint.  

How exactly is OneDrive supposed to work?   Why don't I see all my files?   How long is it supposed to take to sync files?

Hi LARS_966,

Are you still facing the problem?

If you suspect the file are not synced, you may try the steps in this article to check the outcome.

If you want to find back the deleted files, you may try the steps in this article to check if you can find the lost files.

Regards,

Moja

Hi LARS_966,

If you want to sync files on your computer into OneDrive online, you may try the steps in this article.

Sync files with the OneDrive sync client in Windows

Moreover, please make sure the following information,

1. You are using the latest version of OneDrive.
2. Choose the blank folder (previous directory than your sync folder copy) and click "Use this location" when you sync your files in the other pc.

3. OneDrive will check the files and compare them with your files in the cloud and will keep them if they are the same.

Regards,

Moja

Hi Again Moja,

I should also add that most of the time, when I choose where to save my files, I just click on one of the options from the Quick Access list on the side of my file list.  The Quick Access files don't readily show where they are connected to, so I honestly don't know where some of my files are originally saved, if it's within Users or OneDrive or Documents, or some other location.  

Also, with Quick Access, the location of what is up there seems to have changed.  The folder has the same name, but when I go poking around in file explorer, I will find another folder with exactly the same name, and SOME of the same stuff in it, but it appears to be saved to my computer.   This wasn't an issue before I started the sync.   With a particular file I have been trying to save since the sync started, I am only being allowed to save it to the Cloud/OneDrive with the name I have given it.  In order to save it to my computer, I have to change the name.    Am I just not allowed to work on Word documents or try to save them during a sync?   If I save something to OneDrive during a sync, will it eventually get saved back onto my computer?  

Thank you!

Hi LARS_966,

This could be due to OneDrive having sync issues between your PC and the OneDrive server, or that the Office Upload cache system may be interfering with OneDrive sync. As a first troubleshooting step, kindly check the OneDrive icon in the notification area and see if a red circle with a white cross is seen over the OneDrive icon. If there is, kindly right-click the icon and select View sync problems. A dialog box will appear that would describe the error and provide the appropriate resolution for it. However, if there is no red circle, kindly access the OneDrive website and see if the changes made on your document were saved or have been added. This way, we would know if the problem is with the OneDrive app or with syncing of the file.

Meanwhile, could you please clarify if your local folders are empty or your folders in web OneDrive are empty?

Regards,

Moja