OneDrive Data Transfer Issue - Discrepancy in Storage Space Used

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The storage discrepancy between the cloud and local folder sizes in OneDrive can be caused by several factors, especially when transferring large amounts of data between two OneDrive for Business accounts. Let’s break down the issue and address each of your concerns:

1. Discrepancy Between Cloud A (157 GB) and Local Folder (78 GB)

The difference between the reported cloud storage usage on OneDrive (157 GB) and your local folder size (78 GB) could be due to the following factors:

• OneDrive Recycle Bin: Files that you have deleted from OneDrive remain in the Recycle Bin and continue to consume storage until permanently deleted. Check the Recycle Bin in Cloud A for any files and empty it if not needed.
• Version History: OneDrive for Business keeps multiple versions of a file for a certain period (depending on your organization’s settings). This can significantly increase storage consumption on the cloud but won’t reflect in the local folder. Each version of a file could be using up additional space.
• Metadata and Hidden Files: OneDrive stores metadata, logs, and possibly some hidden or system files that aren't directly visible in your synced local folder. These can also take up space without being reflected in your local folder size.
• Selective Sync: Even if you have enabled "download all files," sometimes there can still be files that aren't fully synced to your local machine, either due to sync issues or because they are shared files that you don't have full permissions for. Verify in the OneDrive settings if all files are selected for sync.

2. Ensuring All Files Have Been Transferred from Cloud A to Cloud B

To ensure all files have been successfully transferred from Cloud A to Cloud B, you can take the following steps:

• Check OneDrive's Sync Status: Verify that OneDrive on both Cloud A and Cloud B is fully synced and not in the middle of syncing any files. This will ensure that all files are accounted for.
• Use OneDrive Audit Logs: For OneDrive for Business, your admin can check the audit logs in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. These logs will show which files were moved, copied, or deleted, giving a clear record of the operations. You may need to request admin access or help from your IT department.
• Manual Folder Comparison: Since you're already using WinMerge, make sure you're comparing both directories after all files have synced. Look for any differences, including file count, sizes, or missing files. WinMerge will help you identify discrepancies.
• Shared and Collaborated Files: Sometimes files that are shared with you do not sync to your local folder by default. Make sure these files are also transferred if needed by manually downloading them from the web interface.

3. Reliable Method to Verify Complete Transfer

Here are a few methods to verify the complete transfer, ensuring nothing is missed:

• Use a Third-Party Tool: There are third-party migration tools like Mover. io, Share Gate, or Cloud HQ that are specifically designed for cloud-to-cloud migrations. These tools offer detailed reporting and logs, ensuring a complete transfer and highlighting any issues.
• OneDrive Quota and Usage Reports: OneDrive for Business allows admins to check storage usage reports. You can compare the storage usage in Cloud A before the transfer and Cloud B after the transfer to confirm the total data moved. However, keep in mind that version history, Recycle Bin, and shared files might affect the numbers.
• PowerShell for OneDrive: If you have admin access, you can use PowerShell scripts to compare the file sizes and the number of files between two OneDrive accounts. PowerShell commands like Get-SPOSite can give you precise storage details about each OneDrive account.

Here’s a basic PowerShell script example for checking OneDrive usage:

powershell Code

# Connect to SharePoint Online
Connect-SPOService -Url https://<YourTenant>-admin.sharepoint.com

# Get the OneDrive storage details for a user
Get-SPOSite -Identity https://<YourTenant>-my.sharepoint.com/personal/<username>_domain_com | Select StorageUsageCurrent, StorageQuota

This script will show how much storage is used in both OneDrive accounts, which can be useful for cross-checking after the transfer.

4. Addressing Storage Discrepancies

To address the discrepancy between storage reported and actual files:

• Clear the Recycle Bin and Version History: On Cloud A, check both the Recycle Bin and Version History for large file versions or previously deleted files still taking up space. Delete them if not needed.
• Hidden and Shared Files: Ensure that any hidden or shared files in Cloud A are also transferred to Cloud B if needed. Files shared with you might not sync to your local folder but can still take up space in the cloud.
• Microsoft Support: If the discrepancy persists or you’re unable to track down the exact cause, it might be worth reaching out to Microsoft support, as they can offer more specific insights into OneDrive for Business behavior and data management.

Summary Steps to Resolve

1. Check Recycle Bin and Version History: On Cloud A, empty the Recycle Bin and delete old versions of files.
2. Ensure Full Sync: Ensure all files in Cloud A are synced locally and all shared files are accounted for.
3. Verify Transfer with WinMerge: Compare Cloud A and Cloud B directories using WinMerge to confirm all files are transferred.
4. Consider Third-Party Tools: For better reporting and logs, use third-party tools designed for cloud-to-cloud migration.
5. PowerShell for Validation: Use PowerShell scripts (if you have admin access) to confirm storage usage and ensure all data has been transferred.

Following these steps should help you identify the source of the discrepancy and ensure a successful data transfer between your OneDrive for Business accounts.

Note: My knowledge of this topic is limited, but since no one has answered it, I entered your question in an AI. The text and the steps are the result of an AI. Please be careful with the suggestions given by the AI.

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Hope this will help you.

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