PSA: Despite the comfort and rising ubiquity of cloud storage companies, users should not assume that files saved on the cloud are protected. Many Google Drive users are actually discovering {that a} glitch in the service can put months of information in danger. Google is investigating the drawback, and one person has discovered a doable resolution.
Google is investigating quite a few instances the place months’ price of person files have disappeared from Google Drive. Until it resolves the concern, the firm warns users to not take away files from crucial folders, however it might be protected to create new backups.
Multiple account holders have just lately complained that their Google Drive files from the last few months have vanished. One reported losing three months of labor. A person described the drive rolling again to May 2023 in an much more excessive instance.
Unfortunately, Google Drive’s built-in file restoration system would not assist as a result of it solely restores files that users deleted. Some discussion board commenters obtained messages from Google help saying they could not assist, however different indicators point out the knowledge is perhaps recoverable.
At least one person found {that a} cache inside the Google Drive part of the AppData folder comprises the newest files however warns others towards manipulating it. An official message from Google additionally says users should not delete or transfer the AppData folder (the Mac equal is Application Support) or disconnect the service from their accounts. The most secure measure is to make a neighborhood backup of the whole Google Drive folder till the firm solves the drawback.
One particular person prepared to take the threat claims to have recovered the misplaced files from the cache by manipulating an older model of the Drive desktop app. Anyone attempting this resolution must be extraordinarily cautious, because it goes towards Google’s official instructions and will completely injury the file system. Disclaimer out of the manner, here is the resolution described:
First, uninstall the desktop app, then set up an older version (model 82 or 83 is perhaps out there, however guarantee it is from a trusted supply). Next, deactivate the two Google Update companies and the two scheduled duties. While Google Drive shouldn’t be working, navigate to a folder with a protracted quantity below User Data (they is perhaps referring to AppData) > Google > DriveFS. Find a folder known as “backups,” transfer its contents into the main folder, and restart Google Drive. Finally, again up the principal drive folder, re-enable the replace companies, await the app to auto-update, and use the backup to overwrite the drive folder.
No one else has verified the unofficial resolution, so it ought to most likely be taken solely as a last resort, if in any respect. It is perhaps finest to attend till Google has official directions for recovering knowledge.