# File Storage: Where to Save Your Files

This guide explains the different places you can store files at FVSD and when to use each one.

## OneDrive (Recommended for Most Files)

OneDrive is your primary cloud storage, linked to your FVSD Microsoft 365 account.

- **What it's for:** Personal work files — documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc.
- **How to access:** OneDrive is built into File Explorer on your computer (look for "OneDrive - FVSD" in the left sidebar), or go to [https://microsoft365.com](https://microsoft365.com) and click OneDrive
- **Benefits:**
- Files are backed up to the cloud automatically
- Access your files from any device
- Easy to share with colleagues via a link or email
- Version history — you can recover previous versions of a file
### OneDrive Sync

FVSD computers use the OneDrive sync tool to automatically back up your **Desktop**, **Documents**, and **Photos** folders to the cloud. This means files you save to these locations are synced to OneDrive automatically — you don't need to do anything extra.

**Make sure OneDrive is running:**

- Look for the **OneDrive cloud icon** in your system tray (bottom-right corner, near the clock)
- If it's there, you're all set — your files are syncing
- If it's **not there**, search for "OneDrive" in the Start menu and open it. Sign in with your FVSD account if prompted.
- If the icon shows a **warning or error** (red X or yellow triangle), click it for details or contact IT

**Important:** Because Desktop, Documents, and Photos are synced, your files in these folders are backed up even though they appear to be on your local computer. However, the **Downloads** folder is **not synced** — avoid keeping important files there.

## SharePoint

SharePoint is for shared team or school-level documents.

- **What it's for:** Files that a group of people need to access and collaborate on — school documents, shared templates, policies, etc.
- **How to access:** Through your web browser or links provided by your school/team
- **Note:** You may need to request access to specific SharePoint sites (see the [Requesting Access & Permissions](03-requesting-access-permissions.md) article)

## Google Drive

Google Drive is linked to your FVSD Google Workspace account.

- **What it's for:** Google Classroom files, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides, and files used with Google tools
- **How to access:** Go to [https://drive.google.com](https://drive.google.com) and sign in with your FVSD account

## Your Computer's Local Storage (C: Drive)

Your **Desktop**, **Documents**, and **Photos** folders are synced to OneDrive and are backed up automatically. However, other locations on your computer are **not backed up**:

- The **Downloads** folder is not synced — move important files out of Downloads to Documents or your Desktop
- Files saved to other locations on the C: drive are not backed up
- If your computer breaks, is lost, or is replaced, only files synced to OneDrive will be recoverable

## Quick Reference

| Where | Best For | Backed Up? | Accessible From Other Devices? |

|-------|----------|------------|-------------------------------|

| **OneDrive** | Personal work files | Yes | Yes |

| **SharePoint** | Shared team/school files | Yes | Yes |

| **Google Drive** | Google Classroom and Google tool files | Yes | Yes |

| **Desktop / Documents / Photos** | Personal files (synced to OneDrive) | Yes | Yes |

| **Downloads / other local folders** | Temporary files only | No | No |

## Common Questions

**Q: My OneDrive isn't syncing.**

A: Check the OneDrive icon in your system tray (bottom-right). If there's a warning or error, click it for details. Try restarting OneDrive. If it still won't sync, contact IT.

**Q: I accidentally deleted a file.**

A: Check the **Recycle Bin** on your desktop (for local files) or the **Trash/Recycle Bin** in OneDrive, SharePoint, or Google Drive. Deleted files are usually recoverable for 30-90 days.

**Q: I'm running out of storage.**

A: Delete files you no longer need and empty the recycle bin/trash. If you're still running low, contact IT.

## Contact IT

- **Submit a ticket** through the IT helpdesk
- **Email:** helpdesk@fvsd.ab.ca