Suddenly Excel folder disappeared

Question

I had a folder for my Excel document under /Documents/Excel.

Suddenly I noticed that this folder had disappeared!

• Am on Windows 10
• Last time used this folder was August 1st
• No change to PC except for automatic Microsoft updates (if any)
• Other folders such as Word still present

-This folder suddenly appeared but is empty:  tmp.drivedownload 

_Found lost files in file history, but there are read only files.

Any one had such experience? What happened here? Any way to prevent this to happen again?

Answer 1

Hello Jacques,

There are several causes of loss files or folders from your computer. Most of the time, this issue might occur due to malwares or viruses.

To better assist you with your concern, I'd like to know the following:

• Confirm which build is currently installed on your device. To check, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows key + R, then type in winver.
2. Click OK.

• Which version of Office you're using?
• Were there any software that you've recently installed?

Upon researching, the tmp.drivedownload folder is a hidden folder that appears at the root of your Google Drive folder as a temporary download space for new items that need to be synced and moved into place.

Furthermore, I would recommend to always make a backup of your files in case something happens. You can check this **article**to learn more how to backup and restore your files.

It would also be best to run a scan using Windows Defender to make sure that your system is free from any threats.

Looking forward to your response.

Regards.

Answer 2

Thanks for the follow-up

I had already done this Disk check. There were no errors. Disk is checked automatically every week.

This is a Dell computer and I regularly go through their "Support Assist" programs which checks both hardware and software. No error was shown.

For information during the last month and following a Microsoft update I lost Bluetooth. When re.-installed it would disappear after a few hours. Dell support solve the problem by adjusting the power options.  As you see this has no link to Excel, except that probably the last Windows update seems to have created strange problems??

Answer 3

Thank you for letting me know. In some cases, files and folders may disappear if the drive index becomes corrupted. I'd suggest to perform the steps below:

1. Press Windows key + E. Go to This PC.
2. Right-click on your Local Disk (C:), select Properties.
3. Go to Tools tab. Under Error checking click on the Check button.

In addition, I would recommend to monitor this issue so we can further isolate what is causing it.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Regards.

Answer 4

Sorry it seems that this forum deletes pictures!!

Windows 10 version: version 1803; OS build 17134.228

Windows Office Home & Business 2016; 

Excel version 1807; Build 10325.20118

No new software installed beyond automatic Windows updates, if any

Answer 5

Thanks form your reply.

Here answers to your questions:

• I use Microsoft Office Business & Home 2016:
• No change to software installed.

Here the Windows 10 version: