Fix for Missing Google Drive Files

Google Drive for Desktop Bug

Last month, users of Google Drive for Desktop reported they were missing files. Months of data appeared lost.

After an investigation, Google determined the files were not missing, but rather there was a sync issue with the service. Google cautioned users not to make changes to the data folder where files were stored as they worked toward a resolution.

The Fix

This week, Google published a solution for the missing files issue. It’s not a 1-click fix, but Google has posted an easy to follow list of steps (Google has removed this page) to restore your missing Google Drive files.

In short, you need to download and run the latest version of Drive. Next, use Drive’s recovery tool by clicking the Drive icon press and hold “SHIFT”, click on “SETTINGS”, and choose “RECOVER FROM BACKUPS”.

At this point Google should put all the recovered files in a folder named “GOOGLE DRIVE RECOVERY”.

If you have any problems, Google suggests you submit feedback thru the Drive for Desktop app using the #DFD84 hashtag, and checking the box that says to include diagnostics.

This WILL Happen Again

The only thing about technology that is 100% reliable is that… it will never be 100% reliable.

Issues like this will happen again, no matter who provides the solution. In this case, a fix was available and data was recovered. Next time, maybe not.

That’s why I recommend a belt and suspenders approach to backups. Having more than one backup is an important part of making sure you can always recover your data, no matter what the cause.

Cloud storage services, like DropBox and Drive, while very good tools, doth not a solid backup regime make. A solid backup plan includes multiple copies of your data, in different locations and on different media. It takes some thought, experience, and expertise to develop and implement a backup plan, and the time to start is yesterday.

If you’d like help applying this fix, or evaluating and improving your backup strategy, contact me and schedule an appointment.