OneDrive replaces newer versions of files with old versions

Anonymous
2024-04-12T15:53:38+00:00

I often do work on files (Word and Excel) while not connected for the internet, sometimes for a couple weeks while traveling. Then when I do have internet, OneDrive keeps replacing the updated files with older versions it has stored. I lose weeks worth of work. It is so frustrating. How do I recover the lost work? Why does OneDrive replace newer, updated versions with the old ones?

Second, when I disconnect OneDrive, although I have it set to keep all files on my laptop, I no longer have the folders or files on the laptop. I go to Windows Explorer and Documents and Pictures folders are gone. Also, I go to This PC>Window>Users and there are no folders, no files.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-10-20T17:43:41+00:00

    This is indicative of MS losing control of quality and seeking sales. This is an inexcusable practice, however you can hear the crickets in the responses! They are not interested anymore in delivering quality customer service, just sales. They have grown too big to fail. Now the onus is on us to do what we need to do to find a company that can provide RELIABLE cloud storage solutions and leave MS to their demise. I’m out.

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  2. Craig Long 18,630 Reputation points
    2024-10-21T00:52:49+00:00

    I suggest that if you intend to save old versions of files, you should move them into a different folder. The latest version should not be mixed with the older versions in the same folder, especially when the names are identical.

    Or find the latest file and rename it so that it cannot be overwritten by older files.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-10-21T11:37:01+00:00

    Even changing The file to a new name a new name I will update the old one file with a date code to the new name. I started dating them + it changes old file 1 10 24 to new 1019 24 but then copies the old data from the January file over to the October file even though you've changed the name. they have a serious problem and there should be a huge lawsuit. I've lost years of data and hours of time. stop using OneDrive copy to the hard drive, then do a backup to another drive.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-10-21T14:36:38+00:00

    Yes I will have to start doing that. In my opinion, though, it's absolutely ridiculous that a situation like this has cropped up with no response or culpability from Microsoft. I feel like these companies are sitting there fat and happy as they bleed away our money to subscription services that they don't even maintain correctly. I'm so frustrated at the state of business in this day and age. No accountability, chasing profits like a dog chases a squirrel. I don't want new AI features, I want existing features to work correctly.

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  5. Craig Long 18,630 Reputation points
    2024-10-21T22:47:18+00:00

    Even changing The file to a new name a new name I will update the old one file with a date code to the new name. I started dating them + it changes old file 1 10 24 to new 1019 24 but then copies the old data from the January file over to the October file even though you've changed the name. they have a serious problem and there should be a huge lawsuit. I've lost years of data and hours of time. stop using OneDrive copy to the hard drive, then do a backup to another drive.

    Then, try using different folders with unique names. Copy the file you want to work on into a folder named "10/21/2024" or something similar. Keep a record of the date you last worked on the file so you can find the most recent folder. Since the dates are all different, there should be no overwriting of files. Go to the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar and make sure the new folder with the current date has uploaded.

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