I inadvertently changed one drive to another one drive

The original files are most likely still associated with the other Microsoft account, so identify which account contains them online before reconnecting OneDrive on the computer.

1. Protect both copies first

Until the correct account is identified:

• Do not delete, rename, or move either TarawoodHOA or TarawoodHOA1 folder.
• Do not copy one folder over the other.
• If OneDrive is currently syncing, select its cloud icon in the Windows notification area, select Help & Settings, and close OneDrive if that option is available.

This avoids introducing additional changes while locating the original files.

2. Find the account containing the original files

1. Open a browser InPrivate/Incognito window.
2. Go to https://www.onedrive.com.
3. Sign in with the @hotmail.com account.
4. Search for a known original filename, or open the folders and verify their contents and modification dates.
5. Sign out and close that private window.
6. Open a new private window and repeat the test with the @outlook.com account.

Microsoft recommends searching on the OneDrive website first and checking other Microsoft accounts when files appear missing.^1^

The account showing the original TarawoodHOA files is the account that must be connected to Windows. Before proceeding, download one important file and open it to verify that it is the expected version.

3. Check the computer for an unsynchronized copy

In File Explorer, inspect—without moving or deleting anything:

• C:\Users\<your-Windows-name>\OneDrive
• Any folders named OneDrive – Personal, TarawoodHOA, or TarawoodHOA1
• Documents, Desktop, and Pictures
• Windows Recycle Bin

Search for a distinctive filename and compare its Date modified with the online version. Copy any unique local-only files to a separate folder outside both OneDrive folders, such as an external drive, before changing the account connection.

4. Reconnect Windows to the account containing the originals

After confirming which online account owns the original files:

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows notification area.
2. Select Help & Settings → Settings.
3. Open Account.
4. Select Unlink this PC → Unlink account.
5. Start OneDrive again from the Start menu.
6. Sign in with the account that displayed the original TarawoodHOA files online.
7. When asked about the OneDrive folder, preferably select Choose new folder so the two local copies remain separate while synchronization completes.

Unlinking does not delete the cloud files; they remain accessible through OneDrive online.^2^

Wait for synchronization to finish, then verify the original files before consolidating folders. Do not merge TarawoodHOA and TarawoodHOA1 until differences have been reviewed.

If the original account is missing files online

While signed in to that specific account:

1. Select Recycle bin in OneDrive.
2. Select the missing files or folders.
3. Select Restore.
4. Also check the Windows Recycle Bin for files that were stored locally.

For personal OneDrive accounts, deleted items can generally be restored within 30 days unless they were permanently removed from the OneDrive recycle bin.^3^

If files were overwritten or many changes occurred, and that account has a Microsoft 365 subscription, use Restore your OneDrive to roll the account back to a point within the previous 30 days. Be aware that items created after the selected restore point are sent to the OneDrive recycle bin, so review and preserve newer files first.^1^

References

1. Personal(#tab/personal)
2. Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive | Microsoft Support
3. PC or Mac(#tab/pc-mac)