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Serious data loss caused by OneDrive update

Anonymous
2025-01-07T22:44:20+00:00

This is related to this thread, which, interestingly, has been already locked.

Yesterday, after a computer restart, I was greeted with the blue setup dialog asking me to switch the OneDrive backup function on. I can't remember what I selected, but immediately after login I went to OneDrive settings and found the backup settings in order to make sure no backup was active for any of the standard personal folders (Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc). This is because I don't keep important files inside these folders (luckily, as it turns out). Instead, I had them mapped to corresponding ones on a different drive (D: in this case), so that the less important staging files (such as document scans etc) that I keep in there are easy to migrate when I reinstall the OS, for example.

In the OneDrive backup settings I encountered a strange behaviour, namely, only one folder had the backup option on. I switched it off, the computer went off scanning some folders, and then showed me that another folder had it enabled. I repeated these steps for a number of folders and eventually no folder was marked as being backed up.

Then today I noticed that the mapped folders (the ones on the D: drive) are gone. I suspect the automatic backup "wizard" did this, because the folder mappings have been reverted to the original locations (on C:) and shortcuts to my OneDrive folders now appear in them, while the target folders on D: are simply gone. They haven't been moved to the Recycle Bin either, so there is no easy way to recover them, if any.

I suspect other people were affected by this, potentially suffering very serious data loss. In my case, as far as I can tell, I'll just have to redo a bunch of work I was in the middle of doing, which is at the very least frustrating.

***moved from Windows / Windows 10 / Windows update, recovery, and backup***

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | Other | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-27T07:08:05+00:00

    Hello, Marcin Chady

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    This situation is understandably frustrating and concerning, especially if there is potential data loss. I understand that you are asking for help with data recovery. While I can suggest a few potential solutions, please be aware that data support is not provided by the Microsoft community. We adhere to a specific process for these issues. Rest assured, no one in the community has access to your personal account or OneDrive data, which remains securely encrypted in the cloud datacenter.

    Immediate Actions to Attempt Recovery:

    1. Check OneDrive's Recycle Bin / Local Recycle Bin:
      • Open OneDrive Online.
      • Navigate to the Recycle Bin in the left-hand menu.
      • Look for the missing folders/files and restore them if they appear here.
      • Check if the files were accidentally moved to the Windows Recycle Bin.
      • Restore any files found there.
    2. Use File History or Backup Tools:
      • If you have Windows File History or another backup tool enabled, check if you can recover the missing folders/files from there:Go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History and restore the files.
    3. Check the OneDrive "Restore Your OneDrive" Feature:
      • This feature allows you to roll back to a previous state:
        • Sign in to OneDrive Online.
        • Click the gear icon (Settings) > Restore your OneDrive.
        • Select a date before the issue occurred and confirm.

    Prevent Future Issues:

    -> Understand the OneDrive Backup Wizard:

    • The OneDrive wizard can redirect key folders (e.g., Documents, Pictures, Videos) to the OneDrive directory. If folders are mapped to custom locations (e.g., D:), enabling OneDrive backup might attempt to override them.
    • Ensure you verify the setup carefully before proceeding with wizard prompts.

    -> Turn Off Folder Backup:

    • Open OneDrive Settings:
    • Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar > Settings.
    • Go to the Backup tab > Manage Backup.
    • Ensure no unwanted folders are selected.

    Let me know if you'd like assistance with any of these steps or further help!

    Best regards,

    Chandy.L |Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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