Missing files

Question

About four days ago we did 4 things in this order :

• Resync OneDrive (hadn't been synched in a little while)
• clear the local temp files from the Windows interface
• delete the content of the Download folder
• rename a folder directly on OneDrive Online

Since then I can't access said folder locally as I receive the error message ''The tag present in the reparse point buffer is invalid''. I looked up possible fixes for this issue but none that I tried worked and the next step would be to delete the folder locally so it could sync afresh. However I can't do that as the last file added in this folder that is in the online version dates from 2023, but this folder has been worked on throughout the entirety of this year. So there's also files missing in this folder on the Online version. I thought that maybe the sync didn't properly finish before I renamed the folder and now that the folder just won't open locally I couldn't retrieve them. But then I played with the OneDrive online restoring options. And they did somewhat appear on there, meaning that surely, they've BEEN synched at one point at the very least, right?

At first, they didn't appear in the OneDrive Online recycle bin, but then I used the Restore option to revert back to changes dating from 4 days ago which highlighted the renaming change and while they didn't appear in the folders, they did appear in the Recycle Bin.

I'm out of my wits and have no idea what I should do to fix this issue so I can retrieve my documents. I thought that maybe it's in the Microsoft database and that they could just recreate the whole folder with the files in it. Would rename a folder really cause all that?

Thank you

Answer 1

Dear empoirier,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

We are sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with OneDrive for Business Windows desktop application keeps after renaming it. I deeply understand the inconvenience caused and apologize for it.

We appreciate your understanding that sometimes the initial response may not resolve the problem soon. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. So, please kindly provide more information below to let us work further.

1. Could you please make sure that your OneDrive is updated: Update the OneDrive for work or school sync app - Microsoft Support
2. Could you please reset the OneDrive: Reset OneDrive - Microsoft Support and please let me know the results.

Appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for your time and cooperation.

Sincerely, Ralph Chawatama | Microsoft Community Moderator