Summary:

Saint Louis University utilizes Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage to ensure your work is always backed up. This article provides an overview of its features and how to use the service.

What OneDrive Does:

• Automatically syncs and backs up the files in your Documents and Pictures folder, as well as the files on your Desktop.
• Automatically restores your files in the event your computer is replaced.
• Provides a history of changes to files, allowing you to revert to older versions.
• Allows auto-saving of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
• Provides web-access to your files in the event your SLU device is not accessible.
• Saves hard drive space by automatically offloading files not used in the last 30 days to the cloud, and downloads the offloaded files on-demand the next time you access them.

What OneDrive Does Not Do:

• Sync and backup files not in Documents, Pictures, or Desktop (such as the root of your C drive)
• Sync with personal OneDrive accounts (if you are currently signed in to a personal account you will be signed out).
• Sync files with non-SLU owned devices.

Important Status Indicators:

File Status Icons - Icon pinned to each file synced by OneDrive

 
This file is synced to OneDrive and is also saved locally on your computer. If not used in the next 30 days, the local copy may be removed.

 

 

 

 This file is synced to OneDrive and is also permanently saved locally on your computer.

 

 

 

 This file is synced to OneDrive and is not saved locally to your computer.

 

 

 

 There was an error syncing this file. The latest version is only saved locally to your computer. It may not be stored in the cloud.

 

 

 

Changes to this file are currently being synced to the cloud.

 

 

 

OneDrive Application Status Icons - Located in your status bar in the lower-right corner of your screen (near the clock)

 

OneDrive is signed in to and functioning normally.

 

 

 

 Sync error. Click on the status icon to view the error and to view troubleshooting steps.

 

 

 

Keeping Files Local For Use Offline:

Occasionally, you may need to work on a file without Internet access. OneDrive allows you to always keep selected files stored locally. This should be used sparingly, as local files use hard drive space. Any changes made to a local file while offline will be synced to the cloud the next time you have Internet access.

To keep a file local, right click the file and choose "Always keep on this device." The status icon for the file will change to solid green.

Working With Version History:

Any time changes are saved to a file which is synced with OneDrive, OneDrive keeps a copy of both the new and old version. Each version of the file can be viewed, deleted, or replace the most current version.

To view a list of file versions, right click the file and choose OneDrive > Version history.

 

In the next window, click the vertical ellipses next to the version of the file you wish to work with.

 

You may choose to either restore the file (overwrites the latest version with the selected version), open this version (while leaving the current version intact), or delete this version.

 

Freeing Up Drive Space:

If you are low on drive space, OneDrive can assist by moving files to the cloud. You can choose to move all files, or individual files.

All Files:

Right click the OneDrive application status icon and choose Settings.

Scroll down and expand the "Advanced" Settings section. Then, choose "Free up disk space."

Single Files:

Right click the file to move to the cloud and choose "Free up space/"