Missing files in SharePoint

Question

Hi,

I started using SharePoint a few months back. I created multiple folders, I have given access to certain folders to my co-worker (Did not give access to edit files). Recently I realized some of my files are missing from folders. I checked to recycle bin, but I didn't see any deleted file. 

Please help me recover those files.

I greatly appreciate your advice.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi Pooja,

Sorry for the trouble caused at your end.

As you mentioned you’ve given access to certain folders to one of your colleagues but not with Edit permission, so your colleague shouldn’t have permission to delete them. So, members who’re having the permission to Edit can only delete or move the files from the folder or Document library.

Let’s eliminate the scenarios one by one:

Scenario 1:

If other members who can access the folders with Edit permission move the files to different location i.e. different document library or different folder in same document library in same site, moved files will not be listed in Recycle bin. For this scenario, we suggest you search for the document name i.e. missed in SharePoint site home page and check whether you can find it.

Scenario 2:

If other members who can access the folders with Edit permission move the files to different document library in other site, then those files will be listed in Recycle bin of SharePoint site. So, as you mentioned those are not listed in Recycle bin, can you contact the owner of site and check whether those files are present in Second Stage of recycle bin.

---

Scenario 3:

This scenario is similar to scenario 2 but the action is different, instead of moving the files to different site they delete the missing files. Even deleted files will be present in Recycle bin of site but as you said those are not present in Recycle bin, suggest you contact site owner to check whether missed files are present in Second Stage of recycle bin.

If you can’t find the files in all the scenarios, administrator can contact Microsoft Support to request a restore any time inside the 14-day window. Refer to this article: Restore deleted items from the site collection recycle bin.

Appreciate your understanding.

Regards,

Chitrahaas

Answer 2

Hi Michael,

This is amazing. This 'activity section' helps to track of my files. 

Finally, able to find the lost files.   

Thank you! This is super helpful.

Answer 3

Hi Chitrahaas,

Got the files. My site co-owner moved those files to different locations. Thank you so much for all your efforts. Great customer service and tips provided by Microsoft. 

Thank you!

Answer 4

Hi Pooja,

Thanks for writing back and letting us know that you got the missing files, as you mentioned the site co-owner move to different locations, he should move this files to different locations in same SharePoint site as these files are not present in Recycle bin of that site. Therefore, you encounter the Scenario 1 provided in my first reply. Glad to hear that you found the location of missing files and hope the provided scenarios will help you in future.

You’re welcome to post any concern related to Office in our forum anytime. Have a nice day!

Best Regards,

Chitrahaas