Q: I have my Microsoft OneNote files stored in SkyDrive; how do I get a backup of the files?
A: Although the data in the cloud is replicated and backed up, making it safer than any storage you have yourself, there are still times when you want your own local backup of your data.
By default, your cloud-stored OneNote files are actually cached locally on your machine (for performance and when you are working offline) to a hidden location at C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\<version>\OneNoteOfflineCache_Files. Additionally, once a week a backup is also performed to your machine to location C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\<version>\Backup\<notebook name>.
The chances are therefore very good that you already have a backup locally available.
If you want to immediately trigger a backup, and even specify a different location, perform the following:
- Open OneNote.
- From the File menu, select Options.
- Select the Save & Backup navigation item.
- In the Save section, notice the location of the backup can be changed.
- In the Backup section, there are options to Back Up Changes Files Now or Back Up All Notebooks Now. Make a selection.
- After the backup is complete, click OK, and the files will be available in the backup folder.
