OneDrive General Documentation

What is OneDrive?

OneDrive is a cloud storage service provided by Microsoft, allowing you to store, sync, and share your files across devices. We have implemented OneDrive at HCC to ensure that your important files, such as those stored in your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders, are always backed up and easily accessible from any device.

How to navigate and sign into OneDrive using a web browser:

1. Open a web browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox) on your computer. 

2. Visit our OneDrive website: https://howardcc-my.sharepoint.com/ 

3. Click "Sign In" in the top right corner. 

4. Enter your HCC email address and password and click "Sign In" again. 

How to share files and folders with others:

1. Sign into OneDrive using a web browser (as described above). 

2. Locate the file or folder you wish to share. 

3. Right-click on the file or folder and select "Share" from the context menu. 

4. Choose the desired sharing options (e.g., specific people, anyone with the link, etc.) and click "Apply." 

5. Enter the email addresses of the recipients and add an optional message. 

6. Click "Send" to share the file/folder. 

How to access OneDrive files and folders using Windows Explorer:

1. Open Windows Explorer on your computer. 

2. Look for the "OneDrive – Howard Community College" folder in the left sidebar. 

3. Click on this folder to view and access your synced files and folders. 

Understanding the syncing process:

OneDrive syncs your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to the cloud automatically. This means that any changes you make to these folders on your computer will be reflected in your OneDrive storage. Likewise, if you access your files from another device, any changes you make there will sync back to your computer. 

Potential sync issues and how to resolve them:

Sync issues can occur if you have a weak or unstable internet connection, if you exceed your storage limit, or if there are conflicts with file names or file types. If you encounter sync issues, you may see a red "X" or a yellow "!" icon on the affected files. To resolve sync issues, you can: 

1. Check your internet connection and make sure you are connected to a stable network. 

2. Free up space in your OneDrive by deleting or moving unnecessary files. 

3. Rename files or folders with conflicting names. 

4. Check the file types and make sure they are supported by OneDrive. 

Syncing issues when multiple people work on the same file:

If multiple people edit the same file simultaneously, OneDrive may create a "conflicted copy" of the file. This happens to prevent data loss and ensure that all users' changes are preserved. To resolve a conflicted copy, you should: 

1. Open both the original file and the conflicted copy. 

2. Compare the changes made in both versions. 

3. Merge the changes manually, making sure to include all important edits. 

4. Save the merged file and delete the conflicted copy. 

Syncing your main PC with OneDrive:

Please note that only the files and folders on your main Dell All-In-One campus PC (the one you use most frequently for work purposes) will be synced with OneDrive. This ensures that the most critical data from your primary work device is backed up routinely and available for you to access from other devices when needed. 

Common Sync Issues:

Individuals with Microsoft Outlook .pst files can run into sync issues. Here are instructions to help mitigate these sync issues: https://howardcc.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/66/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=13312 

Additional OneDrive Information:

• Version history: OneDrive automatically keeps track of different versions of your files as you edit them. If you need to revert to an earlier version of a file, right-click on the file in the OneDrive web interface, select "Version history," and choose the version you would like to restore. 

• Offline access: OneDrive allows you to access your files offline by marking them for offline use. To do this, right-click on the file or folder in the OneDrive folder within Windows Explorer and select "Always keep on this device." The file or folder will be downloaded to your device and available for offline use. Remember to sync your changes once you are back online. 

• Mobile app: OneDrive has mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, enabling you to access your files on the go. Download the OneDrive app from your device's app store and sign in with your HCC credentials to view, edit, and share files from your mobile device.