Question:

How can I recover Google Drive files that were lost online without any local backup?

I have a problem with some Google Drive files that were created online and not synced to the Google Drive app. They vanished last month and I cannot find them in the trash or anywhere else. I have searched online and found out that this is a common issue, but I have not seen any effective solutions. Is there any way to restore these files or contact Google for help?

Answer:

Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that allows users to create, store, and share files online. However, some users have reported that their Google Drive files disappeared without any trace or explanation. This can be a frustrating and stressful situation, especially if the files are important or irreplaceable. In this article, we will explore some possible causes and solutions for this issue.

What causes Google Drive files to disappear?

There are several factors that can cause Google Drive files to disappear, such as:

• Accidental deletion: Sometimes, users may accidentally delete their files from Google Drive, either by using the delete option, the keyboard shortcut, or the drag-and-drop feature. The deleted files will be moved to the trash folder, where they can be restored within 30 days. However, if the trash folder is emptied or the files are deleted permanently, they will be gone for good.
• Syncing errors: Sometimes, syncing issues between Google Drive and the Google Drive app can result in files being deleted or overwritten. For example, if a user edits a file on Google Drive online, but the Google Drive app on their device has not synced the changes, the app may overwrite the online version with the older version. Similarly, if a user deletes a file from their device, but the Google Drive app has not synced the deletion, the file may reappear on Google Drive online.
• Sharing settings: Sometimes, users may lose access to their files because of the sharing settings. For example, if a user creates a file on Google Drive online and shares it with someone else, the owner of the file can change the sharing permissions at any time. If the owner revokes the access or deletes the file, the user will no longer be able to view or edit the file. Similarly, if a user receives a file from someone else, the sender can change the sharing permissions at any time. If the sender revokes the access or deletes the file, the user will no longer be able to view or edit the file.
• Malware or hacking: Sometimes, users may lose their files because of malware or hacking attacks. For example, if a user’s device is infected by a virus or ransomware, the malware may delete or encrypt the files on Google Drive. Similarly, if a user’s Google account is compromised by a hacker, the hacker may delete or modify the files on Google Drive.

How can I recover Google Drive files that were lost online without any local backup?

Depending on the cause and the situation, there are different ways to recover Google Drive files that were lost online without any local backup, such as:

• Check the trash folder: The first and easiest step is to check the trash folder on Google Drive. If the files were deleted accidentally or by syncing errors, they may still be in the trash folder, where they can be restored within 30 days. To check the trash folder, go to Google Drive online, click on the trash icon on the left sidebar, and look for the files. If you find them, right-click on them and select Restore.
• Check the activity panel: The second step is to check the activity panel on Google Drive. The activity panel shows the recent changes and actions that were made on Google Drive, such as creating, editing, deleting, or sharing files. If the files were deleted or modified by sharing settings, malware, or hacking, they may show up in the activity panel, where they can be reverted or reported. To check the activity panel, go to Google Drive online, click on the information icon on the top right corner, and look for the files. If you find them, click on the three-dot menu and select Undo changes or Report abuse.
• Contact Google support: The third and last step is to contact Google support. If the files were deleted permanently or overwritten by syncing errors, malware, or hacking, they may not be recoverable by the user. However, Google may still have a backup of the files on their servers, where they can be restored by Google support. To contact Google support, go to Google Drive online, click on the help icon on the top right corner, and select Contact us. Explain the issue and provide the details of the files, such as the name, type, size, date, and URL. Google support will try to help you recover the files or provide further assistance.

Conclusion

Losing

Google Drive files online without any local backup can be a nightmare, but it is not the end of the world. There are some possible causes and solutions for this issue, which can help users recover their files or prevent future losses. The best way to avoid this issue is to always backup the files on Google Drive, either by syncing them to the Google Drive app or by downloading them to another device or storage service. This way, users can have a copy of their files in case they disappear from Google Drive online.