OneDrive - Files Deleted When Reinstalling Windows?

Andy · 04 Aug 2021

Hi all,

After several months trying to cure a problem with updating Windows 10, and failing, I have decided to bite the bullet and rebuild Windows using the Media Creation Tool. For some reason the tool will not let me keep my apps and files - it says Windows may be installed in an incorrect folder, which it isn't, it's C:\Windows - but hey ho, I have backups and it won't be too much hassle to restore the apps.

But then we come to OneDrive. My question is: if the MCT wipes everything, which is my only option, will this delete my OneDrive files? Will they be removed from the Cloud when the MCT scrubs everything? And if so, is there a way to prevent it happening?

Any thoughts about this would be gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks

Andy.

Windows 10, build 20279-201209-1322

dalchina · 04 Aug 2021

Hi, what is it you are actually trying to do?

a. An in-place repair install of Windows (typically done with an iso file, but can be done using a bootable disk) - started after logging in normally.

b. A clean install - which means deleting all partitions comprising Windows, and installing to unallocated space.

Windows 10, build 20279-201209-1322

I don't recognise this build number... it seems to be an Insider build - in which case, are you sure you are using the correct build of Windows if you are, in fact, attempting an in-place upgrade repair install?

As far as I'm aware, the media creation tool only delivers officially released builds.

Insider builds- see:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-insider/isos

Andy · 04 Aug 2021

Hi Dalchina, many thanks for your reply.

Yes, I'm trying to do an in-place repair install. And yes, it's an insider build. I didn't realise that the MCT only installs official builds, although it's obvious when you think about it. My version was last updated in December and I've been trying to find a solution for the update errors ever since, but despite extensive searches every suggested solution I've read has failed. I've had a few error codes on attempting to update since December; the latest is 0x80070002.

Do you have any suggestions? I really don't know where to go next. Obviously it worries me, with MS's recent security warnings, that my system may be vulnerable.

Thanks so much for your help. I'm really at my wits' end here.

Andy.

dalchina · 04 Aug 2021

Hi, the link I gave you should let you download an appropriate iso file for your build- you can then try with the correct one.

Occasionally a technical solution is found for particular update failures beyond the general things like the tutorial on resetting Windows Update and the troubleshooter.

One reason (probably unlikely) for your unsupported directory message is this:
Windows 10 Upgrade Error: Windows Might be Installed in Unsupported Directory | Windows OS Hub

I.e. it's one of those messages that shouldn't necessarily be taken literally- and probably is triggered by using the wrong build in your case. Another possible cause is if your User folder has been moved.

Andy · 04 Aug 2021

Thanks Dalchina.

I shall try the ISO you linked to. If I am not given the option to retain my files, what does happen about OneDrive files?

Much appreciated!

I am really hoping this solves the problem. I shall let you know what happens!

Andy.

dalchina · 04 Aug 2021

An in-place upgrade repair - like any upgrade- does not affect user files. Note you should allow at least 30G free space on C: as Windows.old is created.

If you are not given the option to keep files, that is not an in-place upgrade repair, which is started after you log in as normal.

As for Onedrive- the files in your online account are on a server, with 30 days' versioning.

Tenforums members frequently recommend the routine use of disk imaging (e.g. Macrium Reflect - free + large enough external storage for image files - recovery and backup.

Andy · 04 Aug 2021

Thanks Dalchina,

I shall have a go and see what happens!

Andy.

- - - Updated - - -

Well that was a waste of time. When trying to download the ISO, I got an error. Contacted a guy at MS Support. He says many others have reported the same problem: it's a known issue. Their engineers are "working to improve" the situation "as we speak".

Fix. The verb is "fix". You don't "improve" a bug, you fix it. Those poor tech support guys. So many words they're not allowed to use, like "bug" and "fix".

Anyway, thanks so much for your help Dalchina. It really is much appreciated. I shall try the ISO again soon.

All the best

Andy.