Windows 10 October 2018 Update is Deleting User Data For Many (windowscentral.com)

New submitter CaptainPhoton writes: I updated my test PC using the Windows 10 October Update (1809). That seemed safe enough, so I proceeded to upgrade my production PC. I just encountered an issue where everything in the Documents folder was deleted, even though I had clicked the option to keep my files. Everything else in my user profile remains intact. I am curious, how widespread is this issue? Has anyone else here encountered this issue? Some articles are starting to crop up acknowledging this failure. Citing complaints from several users, Windows Central reports: Sometimes, when you perform an upgrade to a new version of Windows 10, the setup may move the user files to the previous installation backup located inside the "Windows.old" folder. However, according to those users experiencing sudden data loss, they looked everywhere, and their personal files are nowhere to be found.

Comments

Well it's your own fault.

[hey!]

You're supposed to be keeping your files on Microsoft Cloud. If you insist on using a product in a way other than the manufacturer intended, that manufacturer can't be responsible for the results.

Re:Well it's your own fault.

[hey!]

In a way, I'm half serious. I run Linux and only boot Windows occasionally, just to keep abreast of what's happening in that world. But I prefer Linux because Windows, like so many other digital platforms out there today, has an agenda: to shape my behavior as a consumer.

While Linux may not be perfect, and it comes with occasional hardware compatibility headaches, I value the ability to create the user experience *I* want, to orchestrate the kind of work flow *I* prefer, not take what Microsoft wants me to take. It's a tradeoff, but every operating system is a tool; the question is whose hand is it in?

Microsoft has always tried to leverage its desktop position to sell its other products and services. And they understand the day of the market dominance of the desktop has passed so they really do want you to use the cloud services. I don't actually think Microsoft would screw up its desktop OS deliberately, but for most people if MS does screw up, they don't really have any choice but to continue using Windows. In the long term entrusting their data to Microsoft's cloud services will almost certainly be the path of least resistance for those people.

I just prefer to stay well out of that.

It used to be a joke, but...

[msauve]

It's now a fact that Windows is malware.

It happened to me!

[rhanoudi]

All of the content in the documents folder were deleted. In addition, the recycle bin was empty! Luckily I had a backup from the previous week.

Confusing,

[CaptainDork]

this is.

We're not sure if these are just a few isolated cases and how many users are affected, but this should be taken as a reminder of the importance of creating a backup of your computer before going through any upgrade .

They are going back and forth using the terms "updates" and "upgrades."

Also, there's a reference to an "Update Assistant tool."

Ransomware without the ransom

[WaffleMonster]

Might be useful to start keeping a list of Windows 10 features.

1. Installs and enables RAT (Remote Access Trojan) by default with full access to your data and enabling privacy agreement authorizing extraction of user content without notification or asking first.

2. Installs unwanted applications not part of the operating system without permission.

3. Deletes your shit (NEW!)

4. Cyber stalking that can't be disabled and what little of it can be disabled is only temporary thanks to conveniently forgetful privacy settings.

5. Injection of advertisements into operating system's UI shell

6. Perpetual beta quality software updates

7. Installs updates and reboots whether you want to or not without explicit consent

8. Issues scary warnings during third party software installation for self-serving anti-competitive reasons.

9. Tricks users into creating accounts they don't need and steals credentials via typography and WiFi.

10. Transformation of minesweeper and solitaire classics into adware unless you are willing to pay a monthly fee.

Re:Is this sarcasm?

[hey!]

Definitely not rocket science but how many snapshots can you hold especially once all the data has been encryption with ransomware?

Millions, probably. After the data has been encrypted, you can't change it, so additional snapshots (which only record changes in copy-on-write filesystem like ZFS or BTRFS) will take up only metadata storage space. Meanwhile you'll still have at least dozens of good snapshots from before the attack to fall back on. Honestly Windows is at least fifteen years behind in filesystem technology, most people just don't *know* that.

I agree snapshots are not a backup solution, because if something happens to the server you lose them too. But running a tightly locked-down BSD fileserver on a private network is certainly a low risk for ransomware attacks.