Using Cloud storage to preserve files and have them available everywhere is very common. There are several platforms nowadays, such as Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox. These services include free versions but there are also several advantages and paid services you can make use of. You usually have access to more storage space with a subscription as well as other features. However, Cloud storage for files doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes and erase a document by mistake.
In this article you will learn what to do in case you accidentally erase files you had on the Cloud. Maybe you click in the wrong box or there’s a virus or an Internet issue affecting your files.
Cloud files are not automatically erased
First of all you must know that Cloud stored files don’t get erased automatically, at least not in Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive as the main Cloud storage platforms. In a similar way of your Windows PC, the platforms send erased files to a recycle bin. You can find the eliminated documents from 15 to 60 days depending on your Cloud service. If you look for them on the recycle bin before that time, you can recuperate them. In the paid versions of the services the recycle bin period can be longer. There are those who can even last 1 year before erasing recycle bin files
In case you are sharing your folder with another person, remember that erasing a file will also remove it from their screen. If you take it into account, you can prevent issues. If you erase Cloud files by mistake, go to the recycle bin of your platform and restore it.
Create more than one copy
The best recommendation to avoid losing Cloud files is having more than one security backup. If you store all your files in just one platform, it’s possible that you lose important documents. You can save the same version of certain important files in different Cloud storage platforms and then you will be able to access them without complications.
Another good idea is to have physical copies of the most important documents. The 3-2-1 method for security backups is a good parameter. You need two Cloud storage copies and one physical. That way you can always make sure you are protected against any online problem or mistaken erase.
Eliminating a Cloud storage file may be problematic. However, there are alternatives to try and avoid any issue. Make sure you have security backups in other platforms to prevent any error. Take the precautions for your online files to be always available. The use of a physical copy is also useful because you can use it even when Internet is not working properly.
If you are looking for the most secure alternative for keeping your files safe, try different Cloud storage platforms. The free versions are excellent to learn the basic functions and then you can opt for a paid version in case you find it extremely necessary for your purposes.