Note: These instructions are intended to avoid potential problems caused by inadvertently downloading the entire "BOXData" folder (which your Box files will be copied into) during the move.

We previously recommended turning off sync entirely; in order to reduce disruptions caused by fully disabling sync during the move, we now recommend simply confirming that Files On Demand is enabled instead. 

 

If You Are Already Using the OneDrive Desktop Application, Enable Files On Demand

Make sure Files on Demand is enabled to avoid downloading the “BOXData” folder to your computer.

See Turn On Files On Demand: Windows | Mac OS

 

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If You Are Not Using the OneDrive Desktop Application

If you do not have the OneDrive desktop application configured to sync files from your UMass Amherst account to your computer already:

1. Please do not configure the application with your UMass Amherst account until after the Box retirement is complete.

2. See the Data Security & Compliance section below before configuring the OneDrive desktop application with your UMass Amherst account.

3. If you do need to use the OneDrive desktop application with your UMass Amherst account before the Box retirement is complete, enable Files On Demand: Windows | Mac OS. 

 

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If You Are Not Sure if the OneDrive Desktop Application is Already Configured

If you aren’t sure if the OneDrive desktop application is already set up to sync files from your UMass Amherst account to your computer:

Windows:

1. Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen.

2. If you see the icon, click on it, then click the “Help & Settings” gear icon and click Settings.

3. If you see your UMass Amherst email address at the top of the Account tab, enable Files On Demand: Windows | Mac OS.

Mac OS:

1. Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the Menu bar at the top right of your screen.

2. If you see the icon, click on it, then click the “More” ellipsis icon and click Preferences.

3. If you see your UMass Amherst email address at the top of the Account tab, enable Files On Demand: Windows | Mac OS.

 

 

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Data Security and Compliance

Before configuring the OneDrive desktop application to sync files from your UMass Amherst account to your computer, check the categorization and compliance requirements for the university data you currently store in Box.

If you have questions, email it@umass.edu to coordinate a risk assessment to determine if OneDrive is an appropriate solution for your data - and to evaluate compliance and risk implications of syncing that data to your computer.

 

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If the BOXData Folder is Taking Up Space on Your Computer

If you have enabled Files On Demand, and the BOXData folder is for any reason taking up storage space on your computer during the move, right click on the folder and select Free up space. 
More information about using Files On Demand: Windows | Mac OS