Why is OneDrive deleting files and creating temp files despite good connectivity? This is a recent issue.

Question

Why is OneDrive deleting files and creating temp files despite good connectivity? This is a recent issue.

Matt D 0

I have recently experienced OneDrive creating temporary Word and Excel files and then removing the original file from the relevant OneDrive directory. This has resulted in lost work and I have to retrieve the file then make a new working file. Internet connectivity is fine and hasn't varied since this problem developed. There are suggestions of sync issues though this doesn't add up. Nothing has been altered with regard to product use and this instead appears to be a technical glitch by Microsoft. I tried tech support via Microsoft however their Authenticator App (for access) also only functions only part-time and wouldn't let me in.

Possible fixes? I don't need to check internet connectivity.

2 answers

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Answer 1

In any o365 desktop component > Help > Contact support

Have you undertaken the basic repair?

Restart the PC, once fully loaded, repair Office,> Apps & Features>Select Office your version>Modify /Repair, once the repair completes re-test (Quick repair)

Why are you accessing OneDrive to work on existing data?

O365/Office when installed under a Win user admin account, and run from that admin account, auto logs in when the PC is started. There is no separate login for any component.

Win search for Word > Resulting shortcut > Rt click > Pin to task bar > start Word from that shortcut (hover mouse over the shortcut gives access to the 10 most recent docs)

Same for other core components.

Start eg Word open an old doc via recents/search

Rarely any need to access OneDrive itself.

Answer 2

Hi Matt,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community. I understand how frustrating it is to lose your OneDrive files and replaces your original files with temporary ones. This usually happens because of how OneDrive syncs Office files, especially if you’ve got the Files On-Demand feature or the “Always keep on this device” option enabled. Sometimes, sync conflicts or cache problems can pop up and cause those temp files to overwrite your originals.

To fix this, try turning off “Always keep on this device” for the affected folders. Clearing the Office cache can also help prevent syncing. It’s worth checking your Storage Sense settings under Settings > System > Storage and disabling it to avoid automatic file removal. Make sure your OneDrive app is up to date, and consider editing important files directly in OneDrive Online to avoid local sync issues.

I hope this information is helpful. Feel free to reply for better understanding.

Regards,
Carlo

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Why is OneDrive deleting files and creating temp files despite good connectivity? This is a recent issue.

2 answers

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