Syncing OneDrive for the First Time

Introduction

This guide explains what you should consider before moving your data into OneDrive for Business.

Requirements

• OneDrive for Business Sync client installed as per Syncing Files via OneDrive Client
• Internet Connection (as fast as possible)

• Enough hard drive space to synchronise

Considerations

Size of Your Data

If you are planning to synchronise multiple devices, you should ensure there is sufficient free space on all for the data you intend to sync; otherwise you may need to only synchronise selected folders.

OneDrive for Business has a 1TB maximum

Internet or Network Speed

During a first time synchronisation, you will uploading your files to OneDrive, so the time taken will depend on your upload speed.  If your home internet is slow or has data limits, you should take these into consideration. If it is a laptop, you could bring it into work and use Eduroam or MINTS wireless to complete the first time setup.

Typical Upload Times

More information on upload speed here: https://support.office.com/en-gb/article/Maximize-upload-and-download-speed-8eeadfb8-501f-406d-997b-98ab6ff67f43?ui=en-US&rs=en-GB&ad=GB

Power / Sleep Settings

If you are leaving your computer to upload for more than 30 minutes, you should check the power settings to ensure it doesn't go to sleep as this will interrupt the process. If using a laptop, ensure it is plugged in.

Potential problems with data import

Invalid Characters

Before copying your files, you should check they comply with the Sync Restrictions and Problems

If you have lots of files with invalid characters, you could consider using a program like ANT Renamer to automate the renaming process

Maximum Path Length

If you are using Windows, then you should be aware that it has a maximum path length of 255 characters. This includes all names of the folders. If you are moving your files from a location with a short name (e.g. c:\Temp) to your OneDrive folders (C:\Users\Your Name\ OneDrive - Clinical School Computing Service) then be aware that particularly long names or deep folder structures may cause problems, If that occurs then shorten names of files and folders.

Device Compatibility

If you synchronise files between different devices, for instance between PC and Mac, then be aware that you might not be able to open all file types on both computers. Some programs might be "officially compatible" e.g. Office 2016 and Office 2016 for Mac, but you might encounter formatting problems.