Everyday IT fixes
Where to save files so they're actually backed up
Desktop folders aren't backup. Here's where your work should live and how to check it's protected.
Last reviewed 20 August 2026
The single most common cause of lost work we see is a file saved to the desktop or C: drive of a laptop that then failed.
- Personal work in progress — OneDrive. It syncs, versions and survives the laptop dying.
- Anything the team needs — SharePoint or the file server, in the right team folder.
- Never — the desktop, Downloads, or a local 'Work' folder on C:.
- Never — a USB stick as the only copy.
Check OneDrive is actually syncing
- 1Look for the OneDrive cloud icon near the clock.
- 2A blue cloud or green tick means synced; a red cross or 'sign in' prompt means it isn't.
- 3Click the icon and resolve anything listed under conflicts or errors.
- 4If it's been paused for days, resume it and tell us — it usually means something needs fixing.
Microsoft 365 keeps your data available, but it isn't a backup against deletion, ransomware or a departing employee's tidy-up. If you don't have managed 365 backup, ask us what it would cost.
Still stuck?
Log it with the helpdesk and a real engineer will pick it up — or book a call if you'd rather talk it through.