OneDrive infiltration

Haydon · Dec 3, 2022

cereberus said:
Sorry you are 100% wrong - the link is there. In fact, it is more obvious that Windows 10 where it was in an obscure link in bottom left of oobe screen.

This is from install Windows 11 Home using an MS account, and is one of the OOBE screens.

They could have made it clearer in text that if you click like, user files would be on local drive.
Of course, they rely in fact users do not read the screens properly!

You do not need to take after the fact measures to store user files on C drive!

You can choose what to with Onedrive afterward, but you can just ignore it if you wish at the simplest.

View attachment 46762

Well, not so quick with the 100% wrong, maybe I am 100% right! Or maybe the options open to the user depends on what they do.

When I upgraded my W8.1 machine to W10 years ago, it was possible to NOT set up OneDrive, which is different from 'Only save files to this PC'. The former is even better than the latter if you don't want to use OneDrive as it is more directly targeted.

So, when I did a factory reset for my W11 machine very recently, I was looking for something similar to avoid OneDrive in the setup phase (with an existing MS account) but the pertinent set up screen provided the very opposite of a choice, i.e. there was a forced default to use OneDrive! (which made me uninstall OneDrive after the fact)

As to what the OP did with his OS and OneDrive, though, there are internal contradictions in what he said, read the whole thread.

I bail out.

ddbbmm190010 · Dec 3, 2022

@cereberus

Please be careful throwing around terms like “100% wrong”. In fact, my experience with Win 11 22H2 new install, is that OOBE never offers the screen you posted regarding “would you like to back up…”

Just because your particular experience with your particular install with your particular version of windows on your particular pc went one way and had the screen you see, does NOT mean that windows only installs and has oobe that particular way.

@Haydon I tend more to agree with you. Windows now makes it harder to use wi does without OneDrive.

CharmaineK · Dec 3, 2022

sidr said:
Hi Idgat
All I want is Pictures icon in Windows 11 Explorer to point to c:\users\<name>\pictures, like my old computer.
It is currently empty despite c:\users\<name>\pictures actually having many files in it.
If this can be done easily by a novice my me, without again reformating and reinstalling all my software (taking days), even better.
Thanks, Sid

I use OneDrive and I had to manually copy and paste the folders to the c:users location eventhough I set to save on device aswell. But new items don't save to there. I did change location for screenshots to save to c:users pictures. I don't recall if the location tab is available for the documents, photos, music, videos. Will check when I boot up.

cereberus · Dec 3, 2022

Haydon said:
Well, not so quick with the 100% wrong, maybe I am 100% right! Or maybe the options open to the user depends on what they do.

When I upgraded my W8.1 machine to W10 years ago, it was possible to NOT set up OneDrive, which is different from 'Only save files to this PC'. The former is even better than the latter if you don't want to use OneDrive as it is more directly targeted.

So, when I did a factory reset for my W11 machine very recently, I was looking for something similar to avoid OneDrive in the setup phase (with an existing MS account) but the pertinent set up screen provided the very opposite of a choice, i.e. there was a forced default to use OneDrive! (which made me uninstall OneDrive after the fact)

As to what the OP did with his OS and OneDrive, though, there are internal contradictions in what he said, read the whole thread.

I bail out.

What part of this being 100% false could be construed as anything else?

"I recently did a factory reset, and setting up with an existing MS account (which I need for other reasons) there was NO option to store user files on a local drive, the default has to be OneDrive."

The fact that MS make it obscure is annoying sure, but they do not make it mandatory!

By the way, you are also wrong about Windows 10. The link is still there and always has been

You rather forcefully responded to my post as above but get huffy when I disproved you.

Please check your facts before posting such statements, or at least soften them down

e.g. I could not see anyway to avoid setting up user files to go to local drive rather than onedrive.

I would have replied "Actually, there is a link etc.).

Subject closed.

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

CharmaineK said:
I wonder the same thing. I also just reformatted and selected to keep documents and photos on ONEDRIVE and on my device. These files are in the ONEDRIVE folders but not in C: users. The folders are empty. Do I have to manually copy my documents and photos to that location as the 2 locations do not speak to eachother. What is the purpose of the Document, Pictures, Music and Video folders under C: Users? There are no files in them.

Look in C:\Users\Your user name\OneDrive.

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

sidr said:
Also I concerned because after my 1st reformat , there were some residual icons left over.

How are you formatting and reinstalling Windows 11? It might be best for you to do a clean install.

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

cereberus said:
Learn how to use onedrive and it is your friend. Fail to learn and it becomes your foe.

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

sidr said:
Hi Idgat
All I want is Pictures icon in Windows 11 Explorer to point to c:\users\<name>\pictures, like my old computer.
It is currently empty despite c:\users\<name>\pictures actually having many files in it.
If this can be done easily by a novice my me, without again reformating and reinstalling all my software (taking days), even better.
Thanks, Sid

Have you tried right clicking on the icon > Properties > Location > Restore Default?

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

Haydon said:
I recently did a factory reset, and setting up with an existing MS account (which I need for other reasons) there was NO option to store user files on a local drive, the default has to be OneDrive. The set up screen said that explicitly.

There is an option of using Rufus to make a bootable flash drive and not connecting to the internet when installing. That way an MS account is not needed. One can sign-in to their account after all is setup.

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

@cereberus , I had to do a clean install on my old desktop a few months ago. I can't remember if that option was available or not. I have read a few post that said that they didn't get an option of where to save files. When I get bored and need something to do, I'm going to download the Win 11 ISO from MS and do a install in a VM just to see if I do get the option. Curiosity is getting to me.

Edit: I use OneDrive for my pictures and documents. The other folders are on my D:\ drive.

cereberus · Dec 3, 2022

Winuser said:
@cereberus , I had to do a clean install on my old desktop a few months ago. I can't remember if that option was available or not. I have read a few post that said that they didn't get an option of where to save files. When I get bored and need something to do, I'm going to download the Win 11 ISO from MS and do a install in a VM just to see if I do get the option. Curiosity is getting to me.

Edit: I use OneDrive for my pictures and documents. The other folders are on my D:\ drive.

That is what I did earlier today just to double check if it was say limited for Home users.

The link is hiding in plain sight, as the expression goes.

Just proves people do not read screens properly LOL.

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

cereberus said:
Just proves people do not read screens properly LOL

The old click, click, click first, then ask us for help.

sidr · Dec 3, 2022

Hi Winuser
I tried your suggestion "Have you tried right clicking on the icon > Properties > Location > Restore Default?"
I think we are getting closer... but it came up with error:
The folder can't be moved there etc refer attached 2 photos.
I noticed that Picture icon inside Explorer now has 2 folders in it (prior it was empty) - they are ControlCentre4 (not to be deleted, as needed for our Brother MFC, and gets installed to Picture normally, even on my old pc) and screenshots (empty). Not sure if that is relevant.
Any suggestions?
I want to exhaust all options before clean re-format option which was problematic last time.
Thanks, Sid

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

Does the folder exist? If it does, can it be deleted? Please tell me that you do have a backup image you can use to undo all of the changes you have been making.

sidr · Dec 3, 2022

If I delete Pictures folder in Explorer, how can I then right-click on it to Restore Default?
Also no backup image as a new PC so nothing to go back to. If I need to go back I will re-format.

idgat · Dec 3, 2022

sidr said:
Do MS want us to work on One Drive, and back up to our PC? If not where do you put your backups?

Well, you've almost hit the nail on the head .. that's what MS wants. You've only got to look at your situation, similar to that experienced by many other users where documents have disappeared into, and maybe then from, the OneDrive "cloud" (half the forums on the internet would cease to exist if no-one had any problems with OneDrive).

And you've also only got to look at programs like current version of MS Word ... the Settings > Save option for Save to computer by default is UNticked by default !!

OneDrive is a manageable behemoth ... it just takes time, experience and patience. However most users either give up in frustration, it's just not worth it.

One aspect to consider - don't use OneDrive (or any other of the mickey-mouse "cloud" storage srvices) as backup, in the true sense. They are excellent, ideal file sharing services (e.g. between devices and/or locations) but that's it.

Shutdown/Disable OneDrive, and that includes preventing it from starting up when the computer starts up. Retrieve (i.e. download) your files from OneDrive (access through the outlook.com web site, NOT the OneDrive program). Then consdier whether you want to use it or not.

Please note that it's a constant battle between the user -vs- MS OneDrive. No matter what you do (even uninstalling), a subsequent (mostly major) update for Windows may include throwing OneDrive right back in your face, as it was first installed.

Semper vigilius.

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

sidr said:
If I delete Pictures folder in Explorer, how can I then right-click on it to Restore Default?

What have you to lose by trying? In the worst case scenario, you can always recreate the folder.

Winuser · Dec 3, 2022

sidr said:
If I delete Pictures folder in Explorer, how can I then right-click on it to Restore Default?
Also no backup image as a new PC so nothing to go back to. If I need to go back I will re-format.

I just looked in File Explorer and the only folder listed under my user profile is the Desktop. I moved the other folders to either OneDrive or my D:\ drive.

idgat · Dec 3, 2022

sidr said:
If I delete Pictures folder in Explorer, how can I then right-click on it to Restore Default?
Also no backup image as a new PC so nothing to go back to. If I need to go back I will re-format.

Use this to restore default folder locations

Restore Default Location of Personal Folders in Windows 10

How to Restore Default Location of Your Personal Folders in Windows 10

www.tenforums.com

EDIT : I have to admit I'm totally confused about who (user?) and/or what (OneDrive?) moved which folders to which location(s) ... and I'm guessing the OS is, too.

sidr · Dec 3, 2022

Hi all,
I have read all the posts and decided to do another clean re-format, knowing that One Drive will do its best to interfere.

Please confirm my process is correct
-Clean local reformat (Settings/System/Recovery/Reset-PC). I have doubts about this being truly clean, because I had lingering icons/short-cuts the last time as well as One Drive problems. If I get them again, I will take a photo to prove it.
-Select Custom if a choice, for a clean install.
-Answer No to One Drive question
-At MS account, I assume I proceed… unless I choose Local account to avoid One Drive
-Anything else during re-format stage?

After re-format finished:
-I go to System Tray, right-click on the Cloud icon, Settings cog, then
“Pause syncing”, then
“Quit One Drive”, then
Settings, Settings Tab, untick “Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows”
-I uninstall One Drive using Control-Panel, Programs-and-features.
Then I hope “uninstall OneDrive after doing the reformat, then your new OS will be free of OneDrive.”
-To test, I restore only my pictures, put them in c:\users\<name>\Pictures… via easy DOS preempt and xcopy.
-I then load Windows Explorer, and look at Picture Icon and hope all my pictures are there.
-If all fine, I install and restore everything else.

Correct?
Thanks, Sid