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User profile for user: MevlutKoc
MevlutKoc Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Lost all desktop files after trying to sync photos with iCloud App on a WINDOWS PC

I recently installed the iCloud app from Microsoft Store onto my Windows 11 PC.


After activating the "iCloud Photos" section to sync the photos from the icloud to my pc, I also happened to change the below directory to point at my desktop folder:


The result was the complete disappearance of all of my desktop files and folders on my windows PC


The icloud storage was at its limit at the time of syncing, but even after buying more storage, the missing desktop files do not appear to be in the cloud


I've tried locating the supposedly deleted files via various recovery software (Remo, Drill, AnyRecover, Stellar), but none of those came back with any results, even after running a deep scan


Trying to repair the user profile on windows through various cmd prompts such as scannow, dism restorehealth etc and even registry edits in windows safe mode did not yield anything


No system restore points either, as it turns out


Please help!

Windows

Posted on Jun 9, 2024 5:12 AM

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1 reply
User profile for user: MevlutKoc
MevlutKoc Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Jun 10, 2024 11:46 PM in response to MevlutKoc

Some additional thoughts on this (after spending 3 days in utter frustration and shock):


  • The issue does not happen during the syncing process
  • Instead, the wipe is automatically triggered as soon as the directory is changed for the above selection (shared photos and videos)
  • The designated folder is wiped away instantly along with all of its contents, leaving no traces behind


I have reached out to Apple but haven't heard back yet


Need to know what command is being executed at the moment of directory change, so that a solution could be figured out here


I would like to keep this topic alive to ensure no one else has to go through the same pain


Thank you

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Lost all desktop files after trying to sync photos with iCloud App on a WINDOWS PC

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