So Many Folders

lpatrick · 08 Jan 2017

I am a bit overwhelmed by the number of same title folders in the system. System may not be the correct name. Let's take the 'Pictures' folder for example.

Pictures folder in the Desktop along with specific picture folders
Primary Pictures folder w/sub folders in OneDrive
Primary Pictures folder w/sub folders in This PC

Why are so many duplicate folders necessary? I do not seem to recall such duplication in Windows 7. Is there something I have done to create these duplicate areas? Should I make changes? . What is most efficient?

Basically, I am confused.

dalchina · 08 Jan 2017

Hi, you can create as many folders as you want of the same name in innumerable places. Whilst it is true a good many programs create their own sets of folders in Documents, Pictures, Videos etc when you install them, especially the larger multimedia programs, and many even create unwanted shortcuts on your desktop, the rest in normal working space is usually under your control.

Take for example your Pictures folder on your desktop. Examine it. is there anything there that's unique that you want to keep? If not, delete it. And are you sure it's really a folder, not a shortcut? Both are possible.

Onedrive: are you using this to
- back up files and folders?
- sync files and folders across devices?
Microsoft OneDrive How-to

Or do you simply sometimes manually copy folders to it?

Any of those may explain whay you have a folder there.

lpatrick · 08 Jan 2017

dalchina said:

Onedrive: are you using this to
- back up files and folders?
- sync files and folders across devices?
Microsoft OneDrive How-to
Or do you simply sometimes manually copy folders to it?
.

I quess it came in W10 or I somehow choose to use it. I would gladly do away with OneDrive if it is not vital or of great benefit. Please advise on keeping OneDrive. Thank you.

dalchina · 08 Jan 2017

Whether you use Onedrive is entirely up to you. If you sync data between devices or use it to share or back up files, for example, you will want to keep it.

If you don't use it and back up over a network or to an external disk, or elsewhere, you don't need to run Onedrive.
You can stop Onedrive starting automatically by rt clicking its tray icon, Settings, an unchecking the relevant box, then click Exit to close it.

Jeddie · 09 Jan 2017

dalchina said:

Whether you use Onedrive is entirely up to you. If you sync data between devices or use it to share or back up files, for example, you will want to keep it.

If you don't use it and back up over a network or to an external disk, or elsewhere, you don't need to run Onedrive.
You can stop Onedrive starting automatically by rt clicking its tray icon, Settings, an unchecking the relevant box, then click Exit to close it.

If I untick 'Start OneDrive when I sign into windows' what does this actually do?

Assume by unticking the OneDrive folder will not appear in File Explorer?

Does the icon still appear in the task bar? If not, how would I bring Onedrive back if I changed my mind later?

dalchina · 09 Jan 2017

Onedrive is a process. If you close it, there is no access to your uploaded files, no integration with explorer.
You can launch it again any time you want to.

The key that links your onedrive account and you logged in to a PC is your MS live id.

mrgeek · 09 Jan 2017

Assume by unticking the OneDrive folder will not appear in File Explorer?
No, OneDrive will still appear in File Explorer

Does the icon still appear in the task bar?
Yes but not in system tray, if you disable start at log in.

Here's a good OneDrive primer incl a short video. You should watch to understand the feature. -
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computi...rk-windows-10/

lpatrick · 15 Jan 2017

Following Microsoft instructions, which were inaccurate, I unsuccessfully attempted to hide OneDrive. Went back in, reactivated OneDrive and decided to live with the feature. Better than botching up W10. Thanks for your opinions.

dalchina · 15 Jan 2017

OneDrive - Add or Remove from Navigation Pane in Windows 10

Jeddie · 25 Jan 2017

To get rid of OneDrive, the fix seems to be to go into your registry?

But when I go to 'Settings' / "Apps & Features" and navigate to OneDrive and click on it, there is an option to Uninstall.

Everybody says OneDrive is part of win 10? Well what happens when you click Uninstall?

Does it disappear for good?