Files deleted from drive C: on windows keep returning and crashing windows after C drive runs out of space

Question

Files that I delete from my C: drive on Windows 11 keep coming back and drive C: runs out of space and crashes. I already uninstalled onedrive and it still replaces the deleted files on C: drive.

Answer 1

Hi,

Good day. I'm Jhun an independent advisor. In regards with your problem, this could be due to something is syncing or recreating some files on your system even OneDrive is uninstalled. Let's do these methods of checks and fixes and see if it will fix the issue.

A. Check what is filling the storage (C: Drive)

1. Press Win + R Type: %LOCALAPPDATA%
2. Sort folders by Size
3. Then also check: C:\Users\YourUsername\ C:\ProgramData\ C:\Windows\Temp
4. Update what folder is it: Documents? AppData? Temp? Windows? Some strange named folder?
5. Verify this before we could make a fix for this option.

B. Make sure OneDrive is really disabled. Sometimes even it is uninstalled already, it may still be re-syncing via account backup.

1. Go to:
2. Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
3. Turn OFF: Remember my files Remember my apps
4. Then go to: Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts. Remove any Microsoft account if present.
5. Restart the PC.

C. Check Windows it might be using “Backup & Restore”

1. Press Win+R.
2. Type: control
3. Go to: Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
4. If backup is ON > Turn it OFF.

D. Disable system restore. Sometimes restore points bring files back.

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type, sysdm.cpl
3. Go to System Protection tab.
4. Select C: Click Configure.
5. Click Disable system protection.
6. Apply Restart.

E. Check for Malwares or Scheduled task issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as Adminand run: schtasks
2. Look for anything strange repeating.
3. Also check: Task Manager > Startup tab
4. Disable unknown items.

F. Check if files are coming from another drive.

1. If you have: A second HDD/SSD Network drive
2. Sometimes Windows restores user folders from there.
3. Right click Documents > Properties > Location tab.
4. See if it points to another drive.

G. If files keep reappearing, try to create a new local user account.

1. Settings > Accounts > Other users
2. Add account
3. Choose: I don’t have this person’s sign-in info
4. Choose: Add a user without a Microsoft account
5. Make it Administrator
6. Log into the new account
7. Check if the issue happens there
8. If it does not reappear in the new account, your old profile is corrupted.

Regards,
Jhun

Answer 2

If files deleted from your C: drive keep reappearing, it may be due to OneDrive's syncing feature, even after uninstalling it. When OneDrive is uninstalled, it might not remove all the synced files or settings, which can lead to issues where deleted files reappear. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue:

1. Check for Remaining OneDrive Files: Even after uninstalling, check if there are any residual OneDrive files left on your C: drive. You can manually delete these if they exist.
2. Disable Files On-Demand: If you have reinstalled OneDrive or if it is still partially active, ensure that the Files On-Demand feature is turned off. This feature can cause files to reappear if they are still being synced.
3. Clear Temporary Files: Sometimes, temporary files can cause issues. Use the Disk Cleanup tool to clear temporary files and free up space on your C: drive.
4. Check for Malware: Ensure that your system is free from malware that may be causing files to reappear. Run a full system scan using Windows Security or another trusted antivirus program.
5. System Restore: If the problem persists, consider performing a system restore to a point before the issue began, if you have restore points available.
6. Check for Other Backup Services: Ensure that no other backup or syncing services are running that could be restoring the deleted files.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider a deeper system repair or reset, as persistent issues like this can indicate underlying problems with the operating system.

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References:

• Error 0x80071128 or 0x80071129 when deleting a OneDrive-synced file locally
• Plethora of issues relating to windows and possibly security. - Microsoft Q&A