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Microsoft released out-of-band KB5020953(OS Builds 19042.2194, 19043.2194, and 19044.2194) to fix a Microsoft OneDrive issue that results in Microsoft OneDrive stopping to work.
The issue occurs after the device has been unlinked, syncing was turned off or signing out of the account.
The update is not available in the Windows Update Release Channel. Window 10 22H2 users who are experiencing this issue will need to manually install the update as the standalone package is only available in the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
Effective January 1, 2022, there will be no further updates for the OneDrive application on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. In addition, files will stop syncing to the cloud on March 1, 2022.
Note, however, that files on those operating systems can continue to be added to OneDrive by manually uploading them. If you are unsure how to do this, see the first two examples in Upload photos and files to OneDrive.
The Microsoft Outlook.com, OneDrive and Office teams were very busy last week. Let's take a look at what happened.
Outlook.com
First came the celebration of the world-wide roll out of Outlook.com. Having started with MSN Hotmail in 2001, I am more than pleased with the improvements of the email service since then.
What seemed to be a haven for spam those many years ago is now a clean, efficient mail system. The junk mail filter along with Sweep and Rules work together to keep my Inbox clean and organized.
Now, with the integration of Office Online, it is hard to envision how Outlook.com could get any better, but we'll get to Office Online in a bit.
OneDrive
Although it has been known for some time that SkyDrive was being renamed OneDrive, the roll out of the change was nothing short of spectacular, with some lucky people adding 100 G free storage to their account for one year.
Even if you weren't fortunate enough to get the added bonus, the OneDrive team has provided other opportunities to add to your free space for current users. Log into OneDrive.com and get up to an extra 8 GB by following the steps to enable your camera roll backup and by referring your friends.
If you sign into OneDrive as a new customer from this link, in addition to the 7 GB storage when you sign up, both of us will receive an extra 0.5 GB of free storage. You can use OneDrive to store and share photos, videos, documents, and more. Even more, you can use OneDrive on your PC, Mac, tablet, and mobile phone.
Office Online
Office Web Apps were renamed Office Online. Along with the name change Office Online became more easily accessible than before. If you use Office.com email, you can choose from Word, Excel, PowerPoint or OneNote right from the drop-down in the upper left-hand corner of your Outlook.com email account. Alternatively, you can go directly to http://www.office.com/.
The only prerequisite to using Office Online is a Microsoft Account, which can be set up with any email address. If you don't already have a Microsoft Account, the sign-up page is here.
Learn more about the announcements and changes in the references below.
Having used Hotmail for a very long-time, when Outlook.com was first introduced, I wasn't all that certain that I liked the changes. However, it did not take long to appreciate the different features and I have put behind me any skepticism I had about the change.
Even though the migration of your Hotmail account to Outlook.com was completed a number of weeks ago, you may still be struggling to discover how to complete tasks that were second nature before the migration.
First a few quick tips and then a closer look at attachments and the Actions link.
Quick Tips
Following is a selection of quick tips that will help you navigate the new design for Outlook.com:
To see the Menu bar, click any e-mail.
Click "New" to start a new e-mail.
To add additional recipient(s) to an e-mail, click To or the box below To.
To reply all or forward an e-mail, click the down arrow next to Reply or click Actions, shown below.
Attachments
Sending and replying to e-mail is, of course, the primary function of your account. Often times that includes an attachment to accompany the message.
The familiar paperclip icon has been relocated from the e-mail creation area to a more logical location, the Menu bar. This change makes complete sense due to the ability to not only attach a file but also embed a picture inline or share a file or picture from SkyDrive.
Hotmail Before:
Outlook.com After:
The change to Outlook.com still includes the familiar paperclip icon. It is the wording and location that have changed. Insert is a better description because the option to insert pictures inline or share a link to a file from SkyDrive can also be added to your e-mail.
Selecting "Files as attachments" is the familiar option for attaching a file or picture that can be downloaded by the recipient.
When you select "Pictures inline", you can navigate to an image to embed the picture right in the e-mail. Repeat the action to add additional pictures.
I love SkyDrive and believe that "Share from SkyDrive" is the ideal way to send large files rather than weighing family and friends inbox with large files.
Sharing from SkyDrive is also much easier than selecting multiple pictures with the "Pictures inline" option since it is a one-step process to select multiple files at one time. Place a check in each picture or document to be shared by clicking the image or file name.
There will be a note at the bottom of the e-mail with instructions to the recipient to click the link to access the file(s).
Actions
It is not uncommon that there is more than one way to accomplish a task. For example, one way to print an e-mail is to click the ellipsis (...) from the Menu bar and select Print. With keyboard shortcuts set, the keyboard shortcut Shift +P will also provide the print option.
There is a third way to print e-mails as well as access other useful functions. With the e-mail open, clicking the familiar Actions link, carried forward from a Windows Live Hotmail update, provides not only the link to print but other immediate actions such as Forward, Delete or identifying the e-mail as Junk.
Although the Outlook.com Junk e-mail filters are excellent, information contained in the message source, often referred to as the "Full Header" is useful when questioning whether an e-mail that slips through is a phishing attempt or spoofed address.
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I am an Outlook.com and SkyDrive Insider. If you have a question about this article, please leave a
comment and I'll do my best to assist.
Learn more about the Outlook.com Insiders program here or the SkyDrive Insiders program from here.
Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted." May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...
SkyDrive was already a great application. Recent additional improvements have made it even better.
The major change that was recently added is Photo Timeline. Like me, you may have your photos saved in descriptive folders. However, unless you look at the picture properties, it wasn't easy to locate pictures by date. Problem solved with the new Sky Drive Photo Timeline!
Viewing the pictures I have saved to SkyDrive, I was surprised to discover that I have pictures from ten (and more) years ago saved. The example below is of a close friend's cats. Sadly, they have since crossed Rainbow Bridge but aren't forgotten and my friend now has two other cats.
Additional SkyDrive Improvements
Photo Timeline isn't the only change to SkyDrive. According to internal Microsoft tests, changes to both the Desktop SkyDrive app and the server code have resulted in an improvement in upload times for
photos by two or three-fold!
Another nice addition is thumbnail view for your Word documents and PowerPoint presentations. To change to thumbnail view, just click on the icon in the upper right corner.
Finally, full resolution uploads of photos and videos wherever Windows Phone 8 is now available.
See more details and image examples in the SkyDrive blog article linked below.
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As a SkyDrive Insider, I am excited to share information about
SkyDrive. If you have a question about this post, please leave a
comment and I'll do my best to assist.
Learn more about the SkyDrive Insiders program here.
What can you do when you need to quickly create several new slides for a PowerPoint presentation and Microsoft Office is installed on your computer at home, not the computer you are using now? Microsoft Office Web Apps to the rescue!
Other examples of occasions ideally suited for Microsoft Web Apps include team projects such as managing a Little League team or planning the
neighborhood street party that involve multiple people needing the ability to
work from the same file. Microsoft Office Web Apps are also a perfect solution for people who seldom need to create a Word, Excel or other Office document.
Microsoft Office Web Apps are a simple way to
create a Word document, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentation or
OneNote notebook while on the go, save the file to SkyDrive and then email the
file with Outlook.com or do additional editing later with Microsoft Office.
Creating Microsoft Office Web Apps
These simple steps illustrate how easy it is to create Microsoft Office Web Apps. All you need to get started is a free Microsoft Account, an Internet connection and you are ready to go.
There are two ways to access Microsoft Office Web Apps.
1. If you are already logged on to Outlook.com, merely click the arrow to the right of then click the SkyDrive icon.
After SkyDrive opens, click Create and select the type the type of file you need to create.
2. The second method is to go to Office.com click the "My Office" link and sign on with your Microsoft Account.
Scroll past your SkyDrive files and click the appropriate icon located under the Create New heading, depending upon the type of file you need to create.
Whether you access Microsoft Office Apps directly from SkyDrive or from the Office.com portal, the rest of the steps are the same.
Using Word as an example, a blank document will open with all of the standard formatting tools you are accustomed to finding in the ribbon readily available, including spell check!
Split between the two screen captures below is a copy of some of the formatting features available in the Microsoft Word Office App.
When you have finished creating your document, merely click the save icon or File > Save.
Share the File
After you have finished creating/editing your document, it is just as easy to share the file with team members, co-workers, family, etc., as appropriate as it was to create the document.
If you are ready to share the document, you can do it right from SkyDrive. Merely click "Share" and you can type in an email address or use one already in your Outlook.com address book.
Select whether the recipient(s) need the ability to Edit the document. If it is a business file, check the requirement that recipients need to sign in.
You can also attach the document to an email from Outlook.com. Merely create your email and click the paperclip. Click your SkyDrive app and select the document. At this point, you can elect to send the file using SkyDrive or attach the file, in which case the recipient can download the document.
Are You Ready Now?
You can see how easy it is to use Microsoft Web Apps. Give it a try and if you have questions, leave a comment. I'd also love to hear from you if you use Microsoft Office Web Apps for a group or team project.
Update: This short video by MSFTOutlookillustrates the simplicity of combining Outlook.com, SkyDrive and Microsoft Office apps in your everyday life:
Update 2: Consumer Camp is an excellent resource for, you guessed it, consumers! The purpose of Consumer Camp is to "showcase Microsoft’s consumer-facing technologies, through education and engagement."
To learn even more about Microsoft Web Apps, set aside 15 minutes and visit the link below to watch the Office Team's video shared by my friend and fellow Microsoft MVP, Marques Lyons: Getting things done with Office Web Apps.
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Note: I am a SkyDrive and Outlook.com Insider. If you have a question about this article, please leave a
comment and I'll do my best to assist.
Learn more about the SkyDrive Insiders program here.
Learn more about the Outlook.com Insiders program here.
The long-awaited Outlook.com calendar refresh has been released and is in the process of being rolled out.
Because the servers are grouped into hundreds of clusters, and
only one cluster is upgraded at a time, if you do not see the refreshed calendar yet, please be
patient it is on the way!
Improved Updating
In addition to a design refresh, improvements have been made to both navigating and accessing your calendar faster, including the following:
add or or edit events with a single click
enter an event by
dragging your mouse across the time or date range
add
tasks without opening a new page
jump to a particular day simply by
clicking the date
Easy Access
Accessing your Outlook.com calendar is easy. From any address bar, just go to https://calendar.live.com/ and log on to your Microsoft account. If you are already logged on and checking your e-mail, contacts or files in SkyDrive, access to your calendar is click on the arrow to the right of the icon
then click the Calendar icon to see your calendar.
Connecting to your Outlook.com mail or calendar is also easy from your various mobile devices, including Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch or Android! Simple instructions are available at Mobile - Microsoft Windows.
Update: I am now an Outlook.com Insider. If you have a question about this post or Outlook.com, please leave a
comment and I'll do my best to assist. Learn more about the Outlook.com Insiders program here.
Do you use SkyDrive only for storing photos and miscellaneous files? What about important correspondence or files containing personal information? What about sensitive files such as tax returns or copies of bank statements?
The question about sensitive information was raised in the comments of my article Moving to SkyDrive regarding the security for sensitive files on SkyDrive:
"Is Skydrive suitable as a place to sync/save sensitive information (e.g.
tax/financial records) or is it just really for things like photos,
unimportant Office files etc? It would make things simpler for me if I
could use Skydrive to sync all my files including the sensitive ones,
but I am hesitating on security grounds."
In retrospect, my immediate reaction to the question was short-sighted:
"Short answer: Yes, sensitive documents (e.g. tax/financial records)
saved to SkyDrive are secure. The only way to access those files is by
secure logon with your Microsoft Account.
Additionally,
regardless of whether anyone uses SkyDrive or not, I strongly recommend
taking the steps to protect your account. This article written for
"Hotmail" equally applies to the revamped Outlook.com: Hotmail Security to Protect and Recover Your Account ~ Security Garden."
Why, after reconsideration, do I consider my response short-sighted? Let's take a closer look at transporting and accessing files on SkyDrive.
Transporting Files to SkyDrive
When saving your files to SkyDrive, the method used for transport encryption of your data from your computer to SkyDrive is called Secure Socket Layer, or SSL. SSL protocol uses standard key cryptographic techniques for the communication session between the client (your computer) and server (SkyDrive).
Thus, during transit from your computer to SkyDrive, your data is protected from interception and is
reachable and readable only on SkyDrive. However, it is important to consider that SkyDrive does not include any additional encryption on the files after being uploaded.
Update 06Dec2013:
Please see this important information by Brad Smith, General Counsel
& Executive Vice President, Legal & Corporate Affairs,
Microsoft, about plans to strengthen the encryption of customer data
across Microsoft networks and services. Protecting customer data from government snooping.
Accessing Files on SkyDrive
The default setting of files saved from your computer to SkyDrive is set to "only me". Thus, no one can view your files and documents
without your consent unless you intentionally select the folder and change the setting. (See this Microsoft help document for instructions on how to Share files and folders and change permissions.)
In other words, the only way to access the files set to "only me" is by logging on to SkyDrive with your Microsoft Account. But, what if your Microsoft Account is compromised or if you inadvertently change the setting to public?
Another situation that could compromise the security of sensitive information is that anything uploaded via a mobile device is automatically stored in the Mobile uploads folder. Fellow Microsoft MVP, Richard Hay, discovered recently that the Mobile uploads folder in the SkyDrive cloud storage is set by default as Shared with Friends. The default setting can be changed by logging on to your SkyDrive account via your browser.
Securing Sensitive Files
There should be no concerns about security of your files stored in a private folder on SkyDrive, accessible only by you when you logon with your Microsoft Account. However, for sensitive files, you may want to add an additional layer of protection to those files.
Important: Be careful to note somewhere offline the password used to protect your Office files. There is no way that Microsoft can help you retrieve forgotten passwords.
This program has been discontinued. As a SkyDrive Insider, I am excited to share information about
SkyDrive. If you have a question about this post, please leave a
comment and I'll do my best to assist.
Learn more about the SkyDrive Insiders program here.
I hope Security Garden readers haven't missed the message from the Windows Live Mesh and SkyDrive Teams announcing the retirement of Mesh earlier this month.
With the retirement of Mesh the following changes are taking place:
Remote desktop and peer-to-peer sync are no longer be available.
Any data on the Mesh cloud (Mesh synced storage or SkyDrive synced storage) will be permanently deleted on August 13, 2013. (Mesh users go here to access your Mesh online storage.)
Synced folders have stopped syncing.
You are no longer able to connect to your PCs remotely using Mesh.
Get SkyDrive
Whether you are a former Windows Live Mesh user or just never tried SkyDrive, you will discover that it is very easy to set up. SkyDrive works on Windows 8,
Windows 7, or Vista,
and
Mac OS X Lion computers.
Double-click SkyDriveSetup to start the installation.
Click the Getting Started link on the Wizard that launches after installation.
Sign in with your Microsoft Account. If you don't have a Microsoft Account yet, just click the link to sign up.
Click Next and you have the option to change the location of the Skydrive folder, although you may want to stay with the default.
As appropriate, check the box to "Make files on this PC available to me on my other devices" and then click Done.
All you need to do to get started is drag the files and folders to your new SkyDrive folder and the application does the rest!
It is that easy!
Now you can easily access your files from another computer or device. With 7 GB of free storage, you have enough space for 20,000 Office documents or 7,000 photos.
SkyDrive Desktop for Windows System Requirements
Operating system: One of the following:
32- or 64-bit version of either Windows 8,
Windows 7, or Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 and the Platform Update
for Windows Vista. (This app can't be installed on PCs running Windows
RT.)
Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2008 with Service Pack 2 and the Platform Update for Windows Server 2008
Processor: 1.6 GHz or higher, Pentium IV or higher
Memory: 1 GB of RAM or higher
Internet connection: High-speed Internet access is recommended.
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As a SkyDrive Insider, I am excited to share information about SkyDrive. If you have a question about this post, please leave a comment and I'll do my best to assist.
Learn more about the SkyDrive Insiders program here.
Microsoft has released Windows Essentials 2012 which includes new
versions of Movie Maker and Photo Gallery for Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Details about the new features in Movie Maker and Photo Gallery are
available in the Windows Experience Blog, Introducing the New Windows Photo Gallery and Movie Maker.
Windows Essentials 2012 includes the new SkyDrive for Windows app as
well as Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Family Safety, Windows Live
Writer, Windows Live Messenger, Outlook Connector Pack and Windows Photo
Gallery and Windows Movie Maker.
Windows Live Mesh and SkyDrive
If you install Windows Essentials 2012, it is important to note that if
you have Windows Live Mesh installed, it will automatically be removed
if you install the new Movie Maker or Photo Gallery. In its place
Microsoft SkyDrive will be installed. Microsoft has specified that if
the new Movie Maker and/or Photo Gallery in Windows Essentials 2012 are
installed, you can not have Windows Live Mesh on the same PC.
In order to sync folders from the cloud to all of your PCs, it will then
be necessary to install SkyDrive on all of your PCs or Macs. (Windows
Live Mesh continues to be available from the Download Center: Windows Live Essentials.)
Know the Difference
The important thing to keep in mind is the one major difference between Windows Live Mesh and SkyDrive. With SkyDrive, all
files are "in the cloud". Unless you update to Windows Essentials 2012
and install the new Movie Maker and/or Photo Gallery, with Windows Live
Mesh, you can also have files in the cloud but you can also avoid the
cloud and just sync files across PCs/Mac.
Microsoft has provided excellent step-by-step instructions for both Windows Live Mesh and SkyDrive in the articles linked below.
When Windows Live was introduced in 2005, it took me a while to get accustomed to adding "Windows Live" to Hotmail, Windows Messenger, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Photo Gallery, and the other programs that eventually became Windows Live Essentials*.
With the changes announced today at the Building Windows 8, it is time to start getting adjusted to new terms. After all, when logging on to Windows 8 with your Microsoft account (formerly Windows Live ID, the apps will be immediately available with the information provided by cloud services.
The chart below was provided at the Building Windows 8 blog showing the new breakdown of software and services.
Service
Windows 8
Windows Phone
Web/HTML 5 (live.com)
API (dev. live.com)
Earlier Versions
Account
Microsoft account
Microsoft account
Account.live.com
OAUTH
Windows Live ID, Passport
Storage/ Docs
SkyDrive app, SkyDrive Desktop
SkyDrive app, Office app
SkyDrive.com
REST, JSON
FolderShare, Live Mesh, Windows Live Mesh
Email
Mail app
Mail app
Hotmail.com
EAS
Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express
Calendar
Calendar app
Calendar app
Calendar.live.com
EAS, REST
Windows Live Mail, Windows Calendar
Contacts
People app
People app
People.live.com
EAS, REST
Windows Contacts
Messaging
Messaging app
Messaging app
Integrated in Hotmail and SkyDrive
XMPP
MSN Messenger
Photos/ Videos
Photos app, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker
Photos app, Camera Roll
Photos.live.com
REST, JSON (via SkyDrive)
Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Live Movie Maker
Even if you aren't testing Windows 8 Consumer Preview, the live.com links all work. Go ahead, give it a try. Check your calendar at http://calendar.live.com or look up a contact at http://people.live.com.
See the Building Windows 8 blog for additional information about the rebranding of Windows Live as Microsoft Apps. Detailed information has been promised in upcoming articles about Microsoft account, cloud services, SkyDrive, Hotmail,
Messenger, as well the work Microsoft is doing with Skype.
New storage options and apps to connect your devices to
SkyDrive were announced by the Building Windows 8 blog. The announcement provides information on the following.
New Features
"SkyDrive for the Windows desktop (preview available now).
View and manage your personal SkyDrive directly from Windows Explorer
on Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista with this new preview app
available in 106 languages worldwide.
Fetching files through SkyDrive.com.
Easily access, browse, and stream files from a remote PC running the
preview app to just about anywhere by simply fetching them via
SkyDrive.com.
SkyDrive storage updates. A new, more
flexible approach to personal cloud storage that allows power users to
get additional paid storage as their needs grow.
SkyDrive for other devices.
We’ve updated the SkyDrive apps on Windows Phone and iOS devices,
bringing better management features and sharing options to those
devices. We’re also releasing a new preview client for Mac OS X Lion,
letting you manage your SkyDrive right from the Finder."
Of particular note is that SkyDrive for Windows desktop is only for Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista, notably excluding Windows XP.
Paid Storage
As anticipated, along with the changes to SkyDrive, Microsoft will be providing paid storage. The cost structure is as follows:
New SkyDrive users: 7 GB free storage.
*Existing users: After opt-in, up to 25 GB free storage
Additional 20 GB storage: $10 per year
Additional 50 GB storage: $25 per year
Additional 100 GB storage: $50 per year
*Existing users applies to SkyDrive accounts as of April 22, 2012.
Limited Time Loyalty Offer - 25 GB Free
In order to upgrade your existing SkyDrive account from 7 GB free storage to 25 GB free storage, log on to your SkyDrive account, https://skydrive.live.com/. Click "Manage storage" > "Upgrade my storage" to lock in 25 GB for free.
Other than specifying "limited time", I have not seen an indication of when the "Loyalty Offer" expires so I suggest you take advantage of the offer now before it expires.
There are so many wonderful uses for SkyDrive. With 25GB free storage, SkyDrive is the perfect place to store team documents and family photos. The integration of Microsoft OneNote 2010 with SkyDrive works seamlessly.
Followers of the Building Windows 8 blog already know about some of the changes coming to SkyDrive with Windows 8. As a refresher, however, here's what to expect:
SkyDrive Metro style app on Windows 8
SkyDrive files integrated into Windows Explorer on the desktop, and
The ability to fetch remote files through SkyDrive.com
There is more, including support for the desktop to upload files up to 2GB through Explorer. Uploading your files to your SkyDrive folder will ensure access to your files across all of your PCs and also make it easier to upgrade to Windows 8.
About SkyCMD
With the integration of SkyDrive in Windows 8 and the ability for SkyDrive to automatically update files as changes are made, the option to get back to basics with simple DOS-type commands to access SkyDrive is being made available in the form of SkyCMD.
It isn't necessary to wait for Windows 8 to give SkyCMD a workout. Just follow these simple steps.
:SkyDrive>help
ACCOUNT
login - opens the login window, make sure your browser doesn't block the popup
logout
NAVIGATION
dir - displays contents of current directory
cd [directory] - changes the current directory
cls - clears the terminal window
FILE
mkdir [directory] - creates a new directory
move [source] [destination] - moves the source file to the destination
copy [source] [destination] - copies the source file to the destination
start [file] - opens a file in the browser
download [file] - downloads a file
SYSTEM
ver - displays the system version
green - sets command line text to green
white - sets command line text to white
:SkyDrive>_
3. Typing login at the prompt the first time takes you to the Windows Live Connect Services.
:SkyDrive>login
After giving approval, the command skycmd changes to display logged in:
:SkyDrive>login
logged in
From there on out, just login and use the familiar commands to manage your SkyDrive files. It is that simple.
