what steps to take to correct issue when OneDrive has error message"Server thew an exception" while trying to download my data and file back to my pc using the only available command Keep on this device

Question

Welcome to my nightmare issue, which in reading online seems to be a Microsoft One Drive and some other file transfer issue.

I have read and tried everything I can that . I wrote the previous issue Q of transferring two Win 10 computers to a New Win 11 pc and ending up with lots of empty folders as One Drive was holding everything. There have been solutions posted that you need to do a download from OneDrive back to your computer, but despite following articles on how to, those commands are not visible to me and I see different screens. I read an article on using the option "Always Keep on this Dev" and it starts to work, but ends every time with the "Server thew an exception" error. This happens from either of my Microsoft 365 accounts( as I mentioned in my previous Q I had opened a second account while trying to give One Drive more space after getting not enough space from One drive). Btw there are thousands it seems of files in the One drive recycle bin and the article I read about seeing who deleted the files doesn't work either as the column described doesn't exist and I saw no way to change setting to show it. I tried calling Microsoft twice on different numbers seeking help but the glib AI message says All support has been moved online and offers to text you the web address before hanging up. So at present troubleshooting I did a computer restart, turned off my Windows Defender Firewall, My Malware Bytes and my McAfee Virus scan and fire wall. But the error message is still happening. I have notices that after my several attempts the Online Drive space usage is growing. Earlier today it was in the 50gb range used but as of now its says 130gb used. I would appreciate any human help as my last Q was only answered by AI and the steps it described didn't work. I would also appreciate and thoughts and suggestions and step by step instructions. One article mentioned setting up a different file to download to that's not backed up by One Drive but no instructions as to how to do that. Also is it possible to download my One Drive files to a external drive to avoid any loop back to One Drive. If so step by step instruction would be very helpful! Day 6 no data , no work done! Thanks in advance JB

Answer 1

To address the "Server threw an exception" error when trying to download files from OneDrive, you can follow these steps:

1. Update OneDrive: Ensure that you have the latest version of OneDrive installed. Sometimes, outdated versions can cause sync issues. You can check for updates through the OneDrive settings or by visiting the official OneDrive website.
2. Repair OneDrive: Before uninstalling, try repairing OneDrive. You can do this by going to the Control Panel, selecting Programs and Features, finding OneDrive, and choosing the repair option.
3. Check Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable. A weak or intermittent connection can cause issues when trying to sync or download files.
4. Reset OneDrive: If the issue persists, consider resetting OneDrive. This will reset all settings and perform a full sync. You can reset OneDrive by running the command: onedrive.exe /reset in the Run dialog (press Windows + R to open it).
5. Clear OneDrive Cache: Sometimes, clearing the cache can resolve sync issues. You can do this by navigating to the OneDrive folder in File Explorer, right-clicking on it, and selecting "Clear Cache."
6. Check for Conflicts: If there are conflicts with files, you may need to resolve them. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and check for any sync error notifications. Follow the prompts to resolve any conflicts.
7. Use Files On-Demand: If you are using Files On-Demand, ensure that the files you want to download are set to be available offline. Right-click on the file or folder and select "Always keep on this device."
8. External Drive Backup: If you want to download your OneDrive files to an external drive, you can do so by simply dragging and dropping files from the OneDrive folder in File Explorer to your external drive. Alternatively, you can copy the files and paste them into the external drive folder.
9. Check Recycle Bin: If you have a lot of files in the OneDrive recycle bin, consider emptying it. This can sometimes free up space and resolve sync issues.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to create a support incident with Microsoft for further assistance.

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References:

• Troubleshooting OneDrive for work or school sync issues
• Error 0x80070005 when you install or access OneDrive