Lost my files on Google Drive - can they be retrieved?

Forums › Desktop computing › Lost my files on Google Drive - can they be retrieved?

danepak

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#303656 25-Feb-2023 20:53

A few years ago, I purchased 200GB of storage on Google Drive.
I uploaded quite a bit of stuff (old photos/videos etc).
The other day I went in to have a look…only to realise that it’s all been deleted, as my credit card had expired and I hadn’t updated it with the new one.
Is there any way that I can retrieve the files?

ANglEAUT

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#3041985 25-Feb-2023 21:12

How long ago did the card expire? If less than six months, I would be hopeful that it was possible.

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michaelmurfy

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#3041987 25-Feb-2023 21:30

You need to provide more information about what you've already tried, how long ago your card lapsed etc.

These are always things that you never mention on your posts and it can be quite frustrating to recommend things only to have you respond "I've tried that". We're not mindreaders and not IT support either. This is a technology community first and while we're a bunch of helpful people you've also got to help us with explaining everything you've done right up to you posting here.

Until then I'm going to ask have you looked at Google's support pages specifically at this: https://support.google.com/googleone/answer/12002337?hl=en as well as https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2375102?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

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Linux

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#3041988 25-Feb-2023 21:31

Have you spoken to Google support?

richms

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#3041993 25-Feb-2023 22:14

A friend did this and when they started paying again it all just started working again. There was something that they were emailed warning them many times so not sure how you missed this happening, and I had the app on my phone tell me when my expired card did not work.

Richard rich.ms

danepak

1112 posts

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#3042026 26-Feb-2023 09:32

Linux: Have you spoken to Google support?

Yep, unresponsive.

danepak

1112 posts

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#3042029 26-Feb-2023 09:35

michaelmurfy:
You need to provide more information about what you've already tried, how long ago your card lapsed etc.

These are always things that you never mention on your posts and it can be quite frustrating to recommend things only to have you respond "I've tried that". We're not mindreaders and not IT support either. This is a technology community first and while we're a bunch of helpful people you've also got to help us with explaining everything you've done right up to you posting here.

Until then I'm going to ask have you looked at Google's support pages specifically at this: https://support.google.com/googleone/answer/12002337?hl=en as well as https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2375102?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

Ouch, but point taken.
In the future I’ll try to include more info.

And you are spot on - you are a bunch of helpful people, but obviously not mind readers.
Sorry!

In regards to Google Support, I’ve asked the question, but no response and in the past I’ve found them very unresponsive as well (unlike Geekzone, hence I asked the question here).

Linux

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#3042032 26-Feb-2023 09:45

danepak:
Linux: Have you spoken to Google support?

Yep, unresponsive.

@danepak How much time have you given them to respond?

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Wombat1

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#3042037 26-Feb-2023 09:59

Google support is absolutely useless. Similar thing happened to me when they started charging for my domain, which had been free for a long time. Suddenly files were missing, including photos and videos. I did have a backup so luckily my phone videos and pictures were all not lost.

My credit card was out of date, when I reactivated it the files were miraculously all back. They just want your money, and an active credit card. I have since moved everything off google apps for domains onto office366 which is a pleasure. And they answer support calls.

I still have not worked out though how to fully deactivate google after downloading everything in takeout. I have no use for it anymore. My support request requesting my deactivation, and the removal of my credit card from their systems still remains open. It’s impossible to remove the credit card unless you add another active one. I have no subscriptions anymore with google and they really p1ssed me off over the past year.

Sorry if this post ended up as a winge.

danepak

1112 posts

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#3042038 26-Feb-2023 10:04

Wombat1:My credit card was out of date, when I reactivated it the files were miraculously all back.

I just logged into my account again and guess what??? The files are back!
(They weren’t there, even after I’d updated my credit card details, but I guess it takes some time for the files to reappear).

Phew, so happy (and relieved).

Wombat1

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#3042040 26-Feb-2023 10:09

Good to hear, this is the reason I trust nobody anymore with my data and don’t even rely on any cloud services for backup.

Just stick to the “backup rule of 3 (3-2-1)” and you will never have any hassles. A 4TB disk nowadays is cheaper than yearly online storage.

danepak

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#3075716 13-May-2023 10:12

I just logged in to my Google Drive and noticed that although the files are viewable, it says that my account has been deactivated.
There’s nowhere for me to reactivate it.

I then read elsewhere that if I do want to reactivate it, I’ll need to upgrade to one of their Google Workplace.

I previously paid approx US$3 per month for 100GB on what they call G Suite Legacy.
If I’m upgrading to Workplace, the price is significantly higher (depending on which plan I choose).

Is it true that for me to continue to use this, I’ll have to upgrade from G Suite Legacy to a Google Workplace.
And I have asked on Google Support, but no response as of yet, hence I ask here.
I think I know the answer, but would be good to have confirmation from the very knowledgeable Geekzone community.

freitasm

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#3075784 13-May-2023 11:50

danepak: I just logged in to my Google Drive and noticed that although the files are viewable, it says that my account has been deactivated.
There’s nowhere for me to reactivate it.

I then read elsewhere that if I do want to reactivate it, I’ll need to upgrade to one of their Google Workplace.

I previously paid approx US$3 per month for 100GB on what they call G Suite Legacy.
If I’m upgrading to Workplace, the price is significantly higher (depending on which plan I choose).

Is it true that for me to continue to use this, I’ll have to upgrade from G Suite Legacy to a Google Workplace.
And I have asked on Google Support, but no response as of yet, hence I ask here.
I think I know the answer, but would be good to have confirmation from the very knowledgeable Geekzone community.

G Suite Legacy is gone. If your account used that and you stopped paying, your account can't be active again. You will need to use the new plans.

danepak

1112 posts

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#3075785 13-May-2023 11:51

freitasm:
danepak: I just logged in to my Google Drive and noticed that although the files are viewable, it says that my account has been deactivated.
There’s nowhere for me to reactivate it.

I then read elsewhere that if I do want to reactivate it, I’ll need to upgrade to one of their Google Workplace.

I previously paid approx US$3 per month for 100GB on what they call G Suite Legacy.
If I’m upgrading to Workplace, the price is significantly higher (depending on which plan I choose).

Is it true that for me to continue to use this, I’ll have to upgrade from G Suite Legacy to a Google Workplace.
And I have asked on Google Support, but no response as of yet, hence I ask here.
I think I know the answer, but would be good to have confirmation from the very knowledgeable Geekzone community.

G Suite Legacy is gone. If your account used that and you stopped paying, your account can't be active again. You will need to use the new plans.

Bugger! OK, thanks for confirming.