This page contains information about OneDrive as the primary storage location on IT-managed Windows PCs.

Norsk versjon - OneDrive erstatter M: som primært lagringssted for dine dokumenter

Introduction

Previously, the folders Documents, Desktop, etc. stored on M:\. Also called redirecting folders.

Redirection is an old solution in Windows that is no longer recommended by Microsoft. The oracle service has also received many inquiries from employees with problems due to redirection.

Redirection is therefore switched off, and replaced with synchronization to OneDrive.

M: still exists on your PC and can be used as normal, but no folders in Windows are redirected to M: anymore.

Does this apply to me?

This applies to you if you have a managed Windows PC.

The change only applies to personal computers - not multi-user computers in classrooms, labs, computer rooms, etc. The change does not apply to Linux, Mac and mobile either.

The following folders are now in OneDrive

Previously these were redirected to M:\

• Documents
• Desk
• Pictures
• Music
• Videos

If you work with the files on several devices, the changes will be synchronized between your devices.

"The desktop is empty! Where are my files?"

Nothing is deleted - you will find your files again on M:\.

• Everything you had on your desktop can be found again in M:\Desktop.
• Everything you had in Documents can be found again in M:\Documents.

You can continue to use M:\ as normal, but we recommend using OneDrive.

You can move your files from the old folders to the new ones yourself. Read on for best practices.

The IT Department's Recommendations

• Use OneDrive as the primary storage location for your documents.
• Use Teams for documents where you collaborate with others.
• Use M: if you are one of the following user groups:
  • If you use ePhorte, it is easier to have the files to be archived in M: than in OneDrive.
  • It is best to use M: if you process files in Software Farm (farm.ntnu.no)
  • EndNote library should be located on M:\ or in another folder that is not synchronized with OneDrive, as recommended by the provider.
• Git-repositories should be stored outside of OneDrive

Always consider sensitivity level when saving.

• Learn more about storage
• Read the Storage Guide for research data

Why has the primary storage location changed?

• Better user experience: There are many advantages to having your documents available in OneDrive. The possibility of automatic storage, co-writing and simple sharing are some examples. In addition, you will be able to view and edit your documents across different devices - both PC and mobile.
• Time delays: Your documents are now stored locally on your computer and synced to OneDrive, so loading and saving is faster. Many users have recently reported problems loading and saving files due to the old solution of redirecting to M:\.
• Outdated technology: The old solution for redirecting folders is outdated technology. Microsoft recommends switching to OneDrive sync instead.

Remember to classify your files

Remember to consider the sensitivity level when moving and saving files. There is a difference between the approved sensitivity level on M: and OneDrive.

¹With encryption. To encrypt in OneDrive - use sensitivity labeling.

Files with a classification level of Confidential can be stored in the new folders, as long as they are marked with the correct sensitivity label. Files at level Highly Confidential must either remain encrypted on M:\, or be stored in another suitable storage service. See the complete list in the Data Storage Guide.

Because M: is approved for a higher level of sensitivity than local PC and OneDrive, we have chosen not to move the files for you. You can move your files yourself if you wish. Read more about this below. At the same time, we encourage you to go through your files and delete or archive what is no longer in use.

Read more about classification in the Data Storage Guide

Read more about archiving in the Records Management Plan

Are you going to move files? Here are the best practices!

• Move only files you need from M:\Documents to the new Documents folder. Here you have the perfect opportunity to clean up!
• We recommend carrying out the transfer of files when you are on Campus so that the transfer will go as quickly as possible. Feel free to connect with a network cable if you have this available. The faster your internet speed is, the faster the process.
• Consider getting rid of files you don't need by deleting them. Especially if you have a lot of data or large files. Data worthy of archiving/required to be archived must be archived in accordance with the Records Management Plan.
• Label your documents with the correct sensitivity labels. In the Documents folder, which is now in OneDrive, you can store Confidential data as long as it is labeled. Highly confidential data must be stored in another suitable place in accordance with the Data Storage Guide.
• Large files of special formats can take up a lot of space in OneDrive if they are frequently updated. OneDrive saves a new version every time you change the file.
• Also think about whether your documents "belong" only to you, or whether they are also of interest to e.g. the device you are working on. Consider moving the document to Teams if the document belongs to your device.

Read more about how synchronization with OneDrive works

FAQ

My desktop is empty, where do I find the files and shortcuts?

Answer: You will find your files in their respective folders on M:\, for example M:\Desktop. Click on This computer -> Home area (M:).

Why didn't you just move the files from M: to OneDrive?

Answer: Today, M: is approved for confidential data without encryption. As the IT department is in no position to assess which files on M: may contain confidential data, we must either encrypt everything, or which we have chosen; assign the responsibility to each individual user.

I have a lot of data that I want to move. Can you assist?

Answer: Yes, contact the Orakel Support Services and we will help you.

I don't have any more free space on OneDrive. Can I have my quota extended?

Answer: From 01.07.2024, each user has been allocated 50 GB in OneDrive. If you need more space, you must contact the Orakel Support Services. You must be able to argue why you need a higher quota.

I don't work with Office documents - only other formats I don't want to fill my OneDrive quota with. Where can I store these?

Answer: You can save the files in another folder on your PC that is not synchronized with OneDrive, but you must make sure to back them up yourself. Find the most suitable storage area in the Data Storage Guide.

I need my files to be available offline.

Answer: Make sure the files you need offline have solid green symbol. Read more about the symbols on Microsoft's support pages.

I use Software Fare, will I find my documents there?

Answer: Farm is not currently included in the change. You can find your documents via browser in Software Farm at: https://studntnu.onedrive.com/

Can I get back to the old scheme of redirecting my folders to M:?

Answer: No, it is not possible to make exceptions. If you have special needs that make the change difficult for you, you can ask for advice from the Orakel Support Services.

I use a Mac. Can I have my files synced to OneDrive instead of M: too?

Answer: Currently, this change only applies to Windows. You should not ignore the fact that we will later make the same change for Mac as well, but that will require a separate review. It is too early to say when this may happen, but please share your wish for this with the Orakel Support Services.

Can I get back to the old scheme of redirecting my folders to M:?

Answer: No, it is not possible to make exceptions. If you have special needs that make the change difficult for you, you can ask for advice from the Oracle Service.

I use a Mac. Also, can I have my files synced to OneDrive instead of M:?

Answer: Currently, this change only applies to Windows. You should not ignore the fact that we will later make the same change for Mac as well, but that will require a separate review. It is too early to say when this may happen, but please share your wish for this with the Oracle service.

I have previously been in contact with Oracle and received an exception from folder redirect. Where can I find my files again?
Answer: If until now you have had exceptions from folder redirect, your files are stored locally on your PC. Look under the folder C:\Users\username.

Can't find the answer to your question?

Please contact the Orakel Support Services