Google Drive is certainly one of the best cloud storage services, but some users of the desktop version are currently experiencing problems with files on their computers disappearing

Google Drive allows users to upload files from a web browser or smartphone app, but there is also a desktop version that works just like the best cloud backup services

According to a post about the problem trending on Google's support forum, starting last week, one user noticed that the desktop version of Google Drive on his computer was back to its May state this year Other users reported losing several months' worth of data

Upon further investigation, there was no indication that either the user or Google had deleted the lost data Instead, as BleepingComputer noted, there was a problem with the service's system and local data was not synced with Google Cloud

Now that this story is making the rounds online, Google is certainly aware of the issue, but it is still unclear whether a fix is currently underway

In the same Trending Issues post, another user reported information he had allegedly heard from the Google support team Apparently, if the lost files are not recovered within 24-48 hours, they will be permanently deleted from Google Drive

A Google Support Team representative stated that the issue is being investigated by the company's product engineers and that they are "awaiting root cause analysis" to see how to resolve the problem As such, no timeline has been set for when the fix will or can be made available to affected Google Drive users

However, until the situation is resolved, affected users are advised not to modify the root/data folders of the desktop version of Google Drive Here are the files that should not be changed:

It is also worth knowing that Google's support forums are run by volunteers and do not have the same knowledge as the Google Drive team employees Tom's Guide has contacted Google about this issue Tom's Guide contacted Google about this issue

Cloud storage and cloud backup services are becoming increasingly useful tools, but you always want to have backups just in case

For this reason, many people swear by a 3-2-1 backup strategy The 3-2-1 backup strategy, devised by photographer Peter Krogh and detailed in his book Digital Asset Management for Photographers, recommends keeping at least three copies of your data, including the original and two copies

However, it is recommended that you keep at least three copies of your data

But in addition to extra copies, Krogh suggests using two different types of media to store them For example, it is safe to store smaller files on the best USB drive and larger files on the best external hard drive

At the same time, you should keep one copy of the files in an off-site location This can be a friend or family member's home, but if the file is sensitive, you can store it in a safe deposit box instead

If your cloud storage service has a problem like this one, or if your home or office is hit by a natural disaster or fire, you can rest assured that you will always have an extra copy of your most important files if you follow the 3-2-1 backup rule