Changes Coming for Buff Techs Pro Supported Windows Computers
Over the next few weeks, Buff Techs Pro (BTP) is making a minor change in how the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders on Windows computers are automatically backed up. BTP supported Windows users will likely notice an automated tool pop up on their computer that steps through the settings update without having to meet with a BTP technician.
Background
For several years, BTP has been using settings on Windows computers to keep the contents of Desktop, Documents, and Favorites folders in a OneDrive subfolder named UCB. This was done to automatically back up files to the cloud on a consistent basis in case your computer needs to be rebuilt.
Microsoft recently created OneDrive Known Folder Move (KFM) to accomplish the same function. In order to transition computers to this method, OIT will move current folders to a slightly different location using an automated tool. When the tool is finished, the only noticeable change will be a Desktop, Documents, Pictures and Favorites_deprecated folders at the root of your OneDrive, and the UCB folder will likely be removed.
What to expect
Starting on Monday, June 29, the automated tool will prompt you and then step through the process in approximately 10-15 minutes, one folder at a time and show a summary at the end. Windows users will need to save and close all files and documents that are in Desktop, Documents and Pictures to be able to move them without errors. If you do not close all files, an error window may appear stating that a folder is in use and is preventing an action from taking place.
If this appears, close all your open files, wait 30 seconds or so, then click the Try Again button to see if the action can be completed. If the action still cannot be completed after waiting and clicking the Try Again button 2 or more times, you will need to click Cancel to stop that folder move. The automated tool will detect that something went wrong, record the error, and move on to the next folder. Files will still be backed up to OneDrive, however, you should contact your BTP technician using the BTP Service Request Portal to check things out and ensure any skipped folders are moved manually.
The automated tool has options for delaying the migration process as well as opting out of it altogether. If you choose to delay, the tool is set to run every 3 days. You can choose to delay up to five times before you will be forced to either go through the migration or opt out.
Please note: A limited number of Windows users do not have OIT’s workaround in place to backup their documents. These systems will not be prompted to use the automated tool, but will be backed up by KFM and may receive a notification once KFM is set up. If you see a notification and have any questions about the move, please contact your BTP technician.
Do you use both platforms?
For the limited number of users who run both Mac and Windows, after going through this process both platforms will save your data to the same location. All data will successfully move, and your desktops on both platforms will match. However, you may also notice duplicates of content on your desktop or broken links for applications that are only available on one platform. Contact us via the BTP Service Request Portal for help if this occurs.
Opt out process
If you choose to opt out, nothing will be changed on your computer and your Desktop and Documents files will still be backed up to your OneDrive UCB folder. However, when you get a new computer, or if your current computer requires a rebuild, the new Known Folder Move settings will be applied but it will not know where to find the Desktop and Documents folders and they will appear empty.
If this occurs, use the BTP Service Request Portal to send a help request to your BTP team to help move your files to the correct location.
Questions and Support
Targeted emails have been sent to Windows users who will be affected by this change. We strongly encourage you to go through with this automated migration process to save time and remove confusion in the long-term. If you have any questions, please use the BTP Service Request Portal to open a case with your BTP Technician.
