Microsoft OneDrive User Locked Out: 30 Years of Data Lost

Key Takeaways

1. A Reddit user faced account access issues after moving files to Microsoft OneDrive, resulting in his account being locked without explanation.
2. Despite sending 18 messages for help, he received mostly generic replies and no resolution from Microsoft’s compliance center.
3. The user is determined to recover his data, which spans over 30 years, and is seeking alternative support methods.
4. Many commenters emphasized the importance of not relying solely on cloud storage and highlighted the need for physical backups.
5. Recommended cost-effective backup options include the Seagate Expansion 8TB external hard drive and the Samsung T7 1TB portable SSD.


A Reddit user recently shared a story about moving all his important files, like photos and documents, to Microsoft’s cloud service ahead of a planned move. He was worried that his old hard drives might not survive the relocation and would take up precious space. His intention was to later move the data back to new hard drives, but that plan never materialized.

Account Access Issues

Instead of being able to access his data, Microsoft unexpectedly locked the user’s OneDrive account, leaving him without access to his files. He tried to resolve the issue through the compliance center, sending a total of 18 messages, but mostly just got generic replies. The user stated that he received no actual help or even an explanation for why his account was suspended. As of today, June 23, 2025, he hasn’t heard anything more from the tech giant.

Determination to Recover Data

Determined not to give up, the Reddit user is committed to retrieving his data that spans over 30 years.

One suggestion from another Redditor was to call the Windows support line and purposely ask to be directed to the wrong department. Once connected, they could then ask to be transferred to someone who could truly help them. Since this can be tricky, another user recommended asking for a callback instead.

Importance of Physical Backups

Many comments highlighted the importance of not relying just on cloud storage, whether it’s Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or Apple iCloud Drive. It’s crucial for users to maintain their own physical backups. These backups can be saved on SSDs, traditional HDDs, USB drives, or NAS servers. The main point is that sensitive information needs to be backed up several times.

A cost-effective backup option is the Seagate Expansion external hard drive with 8TB of storage, which is priced at $149 on Amazon. For those leaning towards an external solid-state drive, the Samsung T7 portable 1TB SSD is currently listed at $99.

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