How can one split OS and DATA partitions AND Sync Data using OFFLINE FILES?

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How can one split OS and DATA partitions AND Sync Data using OFFLINE FILES?

Anonymous

It is pretty pathetic that Windows 7 / 8 cannot handle splitting the DATA and OS into separate partitions natively. Seems like the dinosaurs are still running the world!

If anyone is listening at Microsoft, PLEASE:

* Windows installs should automatically create separate OS and DATA partitions

* Give us a way to simply change the location for ALL User Data after install

* It should be easy to do this for ALL users

* Give Offline Files a storage location option in the interface

* Fix Offline files so we can actually delete offline files without hacking the registry

* Consider adding the ability for Offline Files to manage User Data files and sync locally from a shared network or cloud location

* Syncing locally eliminates the need for time consuming backups for most people because network and cloud locations often already have their own backups

Realistically, is there anyone out there in a business that is NOT using cloud storage or a network drive?

The closest I have come to making this happen on a new Windows installation for a single user is:

* Create a separate partition or add a drive where you want your DATA

* Open properties for each Users Data folders such as DOCUMENTS, DESKTOP, MUSIC, VIDEOS, PICTURES and change the LOCATION to your new DATA storage place

* Create a shortcut link for each User Data folder in the previous User directory pointing to the new User directory (because the old folder is removed and you need a link for some programs that have hardcoded C: as the default data root for user data)

However, I still cannot BOTH split the DATA and OS AND sync Offline files from a Network or Cloud location using native Windows OS tools. This is important when one does not have a server and wants to share the same files on multiple laptops.

Does anyone know how to reliably SYNC OFFLINE FILES to a separate DATA partition in windows 7 / 8 without 3rd party tools?

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Answer 1

Hello Gregg,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community Forum.

I would suggest you to map the location of a different drive folder to OneDrive and see if it helps.

Press Windows key and X at the same time.
Then click on file explorer.
Open This PC in File Explorer, and click/tap on the Computer tab located in the top navigation menu.
And then click/tap the Map network drive icon in the ribbon.
Select a drive letter (ex: S) to be assigned to the mapped OneDrive, check the Reconnect at sign-in box, and copy and paste the address below into the Folder field.

https://d.docs.live.net/

Sign in to your online OneDrive at OneDrive.com, click/tap on Files on the left side, and copy only your unique CID number after cid= in the address bar.
Paste your CID number at the end of the address in the "Folder" field from step 2, and click/tap on Finish.
Substitute ####CID#### in the folder address with your actual CID number from step 3.

https://d.docs.live.net/####CID####

Windows will now attempt to connect to your OneDrive to map it.
After a moment, you will be prompted to enter your OneDrive (Microsoft account) sign in credentials, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

NOTE: If you like, check the Remember my credentials box to not have to sign in every time you open the mapped OneDrive in This PC.

When Windows has finished mapping your OneDrive, you can rename it to what you like (ex: OneDrive).

Hope this would help. If issue still persists, post back with current status of your computer and result of proposed suggestions, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you.

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How can one split OS and DATA partitions AND Sync Data using OFFLINE FILES?

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