Solved OneDrive Issues Solved, Thanks to this Forum

[garioch7]

When I set up my new desktop Windows computer in 2019 (Spec 1), I did not agree to OneDrive backing up my default data folders ( Desktop, Documents, etc.), but when I got a new my new laptop computer in 2020 (Spec 2), I foolishly allowed OneDrive to backup those folders. I thought that OneDrive would just keep a copy of my files. Little did I understand! The genie was out of the bottle!

As a result of the advice given by my more knowledgeable ElevenForum colleagues, I did instruct OneDrive to keep the files on my laptop always available on my laptop several months ago, but when I clicked on my default Documents folder, it always defaulted to the OneDrive Documents folder. Creating batch files for the Run command and smartphone backups on the laptop always went to the OneDrive folder path, as did everything else in those folders that OneDrive was foolishly permitted by me to "backup."

I wanted rid of this insidious OneDrive nemesis of mine, but I was aware I could lose valuable data, if disabling OneDrive was not done correctly, despite my weekly System Images, alternating between Macrium Reflect 8 and Easeus ToDo Backup Home. I was not certain that the system imaging programs (all partitions) were capturing the OneDrive data folders on my laptop. If the imaging programs were, they would try to restore them to their respective OneDrive folder.

I wanted rid of OneDrive altogether.

I have carefully pondered the erudite posts by @TraderGary and @glasskuter, among others, and I am very grateful to them and others for their contributions to our collective knowledge. @TraderGary linked to a YouTube video a few days ago that finally gave me the courage to undertake removing that OneDrive nemesis from both of my computers this afternoon. It took several hours, but I am pleased to say, OneDrive is no more on either computer, and I have my files back when I want them: on my computer. OneDrive was then uninstalled from both computers.

I am a paid Proton customer for about six months, and their "Proton Drive" program works as I want it to: it mirrors my files in the folders I specify, and leaves them on my computer.

I wanted to write this post to express my sincere gratitude to the knowledgeable members of ElevenForum, who contribute their time and expertise to help all of us. I salute and thank you. Take a bow!

Have a great day.

Regards,
Phil

 

[pseymour]

Nice work @glasskuter, @TraderGary and whoever else! Is there a pinned thread somewhere we can link to with the full deets?