Is OneDrive Having Where Embedded Onenote Problems? Here Is the Fix

This guide walks you through onedrive file issues using Microsoft-supported steps first, with WPS only where it genuinely helps.

Problem Description: Where Embedded Onenote Photos

I stupidly permenatly erased my OneDrive files. Naturally, I'm having now having problems using OneNote. From what I understand, OneNote's default file location is OneDrive; however, it does create a local backup in the c:\Users\appdata folder. I'm able to locate these backup OneNote files, but when I access them files, I see the text, but the hundreds of photos that I embedded just show up as placeholders (I always "inserted" the photo, not linked to it. ) So where are the embedded photos stored? MS help tells me that they are part of the backup file, but clearly that's not the case. Are they in the .bin files? And if so, can they be reconstructed? Surely, the only copy of the complete notebooks (with photos) were not soley stored in OneDrive? Thank you so much for your help!

Quick Answer for Office Setup on New Device

Embedded images in OneNote are saved as part of the notebook itself rather than as separate files.

Likely Causes Behind OneDrive File Issues Root Factors

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger onedrive file issues.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Fixing OneDrive File Issues Step by Step

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. If you permanently deleted your OneDrive files, local caches or backups usually retain only text and image placeholders.

2. The original full-resolution images are normally stored and synced through OneDrive, so if those cloud copies are gone, the photos generally cannot be recovered from the local cache alone.

3. Images appear as placeholders because OneNote cannot locate the original synced image data after the OneDrive deletion.

Alternative Solutions for Secondary Document Fixes

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: WPS as a Local Alternative

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

Prevention Tips for Keeping Office Stable Long Term

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Work on copies and keep version history enabled when available.

FAQs About Office Support Questions

Can WPS Office fix this onedrive file issues issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall Office before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.