OneDrive for business - easy access to folder structure?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the challenges of accessing files and folders using OneDrive for Business as part of Office 365. The user expresses frustration with the SharePoint interface and the syncing feature, which they find unnecessary for their needs. A recommended solution is to utilize Zee Drive, a commercial tool that maps OneDrive as a network drive, allowing seamless access through Windows File Explorer. The conversation also mentions Google Drive as an alternative for easy online access without special software.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of OneDrive for Business and Office 365 integration
  • Familiarity with SharePoint navigation and user interface
  • Knowledge of network drive mapping techniques
  • Basic awareness of cloud storage solutions like Google Drive
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to use Zee Drive for mapping OneDrive as a network drive
  • Explore the features and limitations of OneDrive for Business
  • Learn about SharePoint's folder structure and user interface improvements
  • Compare Google Drive and OneDrive for Business for specific use cases
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for Office 365 users, IT professionals, and anyone seeking efficient methods to access and manage files in OneDrive for Business without relying on syncing or specialized software.

TSN79
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I'm considering using OneDrive for business as a part of Office 365. What I'm unsure about is how to use it exactly. What I need it for is simply as a way of accessing my files and folders in the File Explorer. What I don't get is this sync-business I keep reading about. If the only thought behind syncing is so that I can work offline, then syncing is of no interest to me as I never do. I only need to have online access to my files and folders.

The Sharepoint-area is not very user-friendly in terms of navigating the folder structure, drag-and-drop, and such compared to File Explorer, which is why I either need to use the OneDrive for business-app, or map it as a network drive. Both of which are useless solutions should I ever want to log into a computer that doesn't have one of these already set up.

Is there a solution that can give me access to my folder structure and files in a user-friendly way, and also be easy to log into on a "random" computer?
 
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TSN79 said:
... Is there a solution that can give me access to my folder structure and files in a user-friendly way, and also be easy to log into on a "random" computer?

Google-Drive offers free "cloud" storage of copies of files on your computer. These copies can be accessed by any* computer connected to the internet : no special software required. [ * security options can be selected restricting access ].

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Drive
 
To get the kind of experience you are after you need a drive mapping tool. This will ensure that when you sign into Windows a drive is automatically mapped to your OneDrive for Business. Then you can work with your files through Windows File Explorer just like they were on an on-premises file server.

An example of a tool like this is Zee Drive http://www.thinkscape.com/Map-Network-Drives-To-Office-365-OneDrive/

Note that Zee Drive is a commercial tool.
 
TSN79 said:
I'm considering using OneDrive for business as a part of Office 365. What I'm unsure about is how to use it exactly. What I need it for is simply as a way of accessing my files and folders in the File Explorer. What I don't get is this sync-business I keep reading about. If the only thought behind syncing is so that I can work offline, then syncing is of no interest to me as I never do. I only need to have online access to my files and folders.

The Sharepoint-area is not very user-friendly in terms of navigating the folder structure, drag-and-drop, and such compared to File Explorer, which is why I either need to use the OneDrive for business-app, or map it as a network drive. Both of which are useless solutions should I ever want to log into a computer that doesn't have one of these already set up.

Is there a solution that can give me access to my folder structure and files in a user-friendly way, and also be easy to log into on a "random" computer?
Both Google Drive and OneDrive can be accessed via browsers, have you tried that?
 

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