Autosave headaches

Question

Hi,

I have tried so many things already (using CoPilot and google searches) and nothing is working so I am going to try here and hopefully get a solution that does.

• There are excel files saved on the desktop
• They are synced with OneDrive
• They have the green check mark indicating it is backed up

What I have noticed when reopening the file, it doesn't load all the changes. Sometimes version history or unsaved workbooks helps to get the data back, but not always, which is a huge concern.

I have also tried resaving the file as a whole new file and likely all the first steps you are going to suggest if they are the same as CoPilot

Further what I have discovered, even though the file is saved on the desktop, and I access the file from the desktop.. There are numerous copies in the top root folder of the OneDrive when I navigate there with File Explorer

Where I am intentionally saving and opening "document" from

• C>Users>user id> Name > OneDrive > Desktop

Where I have noticed copies "document (2)", that I did not do

• C>Users>user id> Name > OneDrive

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So from that, I do not understand why the copies are being made and I do not understand why the original file is not staying up to date even though I can verify the app says "saved"

Any other idea?

Answer 1

Hi Donald Bolger,

You are welcome.Please let me know if there are any developments.

Best Regards,

Gina-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Thank you for the additional recommendations

I decided to go with trying to uninstall/reninstall OneDrive
So far Autosave seems to be working properly again, so will give it a few days and reach back out if I still have issues

Thanks again

Answer 3

Hi Donald Bolger,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I realize that you've encountered a problem with OneDrive Autosave and I understand how you feel.

Thank you for your efforts in investigating.You mentioned that multiple copies appear in the root directory of OneDrive. This may be because a conflict occurred during the synchronization process. For example, if you open and edit a file in multiple places at the same time, OneDrive may create a copy to prevent data loss. This is usually because the file is not fully synchronized or some changes are not uploaded in time.

The following solutions are for your reference.

1. When the file is opened, check the synchronization status of OneDrive to check whether multiple devices are using the same file at the same time. If the file is synchronized on multiple devices, make sure that the file can be fully synchronized on each device before making changes.

Reference article:Fix OneDrive sync problems - Microsoft Support

2. Check whether the path name synchronized by OneDrive is correct. You mentioned that the file is on the desktop, but there is also a copy in the root directory of OneDrive. This may be due to inconsistent synchronization settings of OneDrive on the desktop, resulting in confusion in the file path or synchronization directory.
3. Resynchronize the file: Try right-clicking the file and selecting "Force Sync" or manually syncing in OneDrive settings.

Reference article:Sync files with OneDrive in Windows - Microsoft Support

If the above method does not work, there may be a problem with the synchronization function of OneDrive. It is recommended that you uninstall and reinstall OneDrive.

Reference article:Reinstall OneDrive - Microsoft Support

Disclaimer:At this point, we have exhausted all troubleshooting and I recommend that we try to perform a clean install to get your computer back into a working condition.Please ensure that you backup any important data, including Documents, Pictures, Videos, and more.  

Feel free to post back if you need further assistance.

Best Regards,

Gina-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist