If using Acronis True Image for image backups
The following strategy is best for avoiding unexpected OneDrive data loss when restoring from image backups.
Do not back up the OneDrive folder with Acronis True Image (for various reasons).
OneDrive has very high reliability, and backup should not be required. However, if you do wish to keep an off-line backup of OneDrive, use a separate utility such as FreeFileSync to copy the contents of OneDrive to another location such as an external hard drive or a network share.
Exclude OneDrive from any backup by selecting your Backup strategy, then click Options -> Exclusions, and add your OneDrive path:
C:\Users\username\OneDrive
Tick Save as default and click OK
- this will ensure that it will be excluded by default from any new Backup Strategy you create.
What happens with OneDrive when you do a restore?
When you restore from your backup the restored computer will be missing the OneDrive folder, and when it boots up will come up with an error:
We couldn't find your OneDrive folder...
Simply click on Set up OneDrive to re-initialize OneDrive
- enter your email address and click Sign in (to your Microsoft account)
- enter your password and click Sign in
- confirm the OneDrive folder location is correct and click Next
- click Continue, Next, Next, Next, Later, X to close the Window
- OneDrive will sync for a few minutes, then you will be able to list all your OneDrive files again (they will be Cloud-only until accessed).
- [click Use this folder if prompted to combine folders]
This will ensure your get your current OneDrive state restored from the cloud, and not an outdated version of OneDrive restored from a hard drive image. I've tested this restore strategy several times on Windows 10, and it works well for me. Hope that helps you guys too.
