OneDrive resync changes source code file path... again. Need workaround.

Question

Is there a way to preemptively stop OneDrive from resyncing my local Desktop?

OneDrive has disconnected, and is asking me to sign back in. I DO NOT want to do this, because the last time I did this, it began syncing EVERYTHING without my permission. I have source code installed locally on my Desktop for molecular dynamics software, and CANNOT change the file path. Because I DID allow OneDrive to sync the first time, I no longer had working source code, and I had to completely recompile it (which took much longer than anticipated), and CANNOT do this again... But if I do not resync OneDrive, I don't have access to the files in OneDrive, unless I am online; but also, it basically duplicated my Desktop, Documents, etc. so I have no local storage unless I delete files, which inadvertently deletes files on my local machine as well. I HAVE TRIED to 'manage back-up', and only store files locally or online the first time, which somewhat worked out. But again, I still had to recompile the source code onto my local desktop, which I do not want to do again. Especially because if this issue happens again, I will need to repeat this process again.

I am sincerely at a loss and I'm currently wishing I never would have synced in the first place.

Answer 1

Fraid not, though you can immediately pause sync when you install O365

PS

The OneDrive folder in File explorer contains a cached copy of OneDrive cloud files. And if you start eg Word the 'recent docs' will give access.

If you are offline/bad connection the cache is used and sync is completed once online is available (automatic process)

Answer 2

This does not change the fact that if I sign in, again, OneDrive will store the cached contents of my local Desktop folder (which contains the source code that cannot change file locations), thereby changing the source code's file path, i.e. removing it from my local Desktop, which I do not want to happen.

I am a student utilizing Microsoft Office and applications from my institution on my personal computer. I did not have to sign into OneDrive in order to use applications like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc., but once I did, then it moved everything without my specifying what I wanted copied/cached/moved. If there is a way to specify what folders to sync, prior to syncing OneDrive, this would resolve my issue.

Answer 3

OneDrive is not a backup, it’s a cloud location of your data.

The default installation of Office 365 and its OneDrive component uploads all the contents of the PC  \My Documents\ folders to OneDrive, (syncs) and there will be a OneDrive folder in File Explorer containing cached copy of all the OneDrive content. And in Word etc the default Save location is set to OneDrive.

No Docs/data is stored on the local PC

You cannot remove OneDrive on a retail O365

If you dont wish to use OneDrive there are numerous settings that need to be changed in each O365 component, but OneDrive will still be the default save location

You gave all permissions when you chose to install O365.

You would need in OneDrive settings to exclude the "code folders"