The purpose of this support page is to provide deleted Google account users directions on how to retrieve their archived Google Drive data. This serves as a TEMPORARY retention and restoration effort for users that were effected by the December 2022 account deletion due to a change in terms of agreement. Users effected by this change include, but are not limited to, active alumni, all inactive affiliations and SU Guest active accounts (that are ineligible for continued access). 


Review User Requirements BEFORE beginning the data export


User Requirements:

  1. Active NetID and Password.

    1. If your NetID is disabled or locked, please visit Self-Serv to re-enable your account and update your account password. If further assistance is required please contact the help desk at 315.443.2677 or help@syr.edu

  2. Have a destination space with sufficient storage to hold all retrieved data.

    1. Examples include, your local machine, personal cloud storage account or USB

  3. All Data MUST be retrieved asap leaving sufficient time to complete the full retrieval/download. Larger data sets may take days to download.


To begin the data export:

  1. Visit http://gwexport.syr.edu
    1. Upon navigating to the webpage you will be redirected to Microsoft screen for Two Factor Authentication
    2. Login using your SU email address netid@syr.edu and password
      1. If you are having issues authenticating due to incorrect password please visit Self-Serv to update your password. If further support is needed please reach out to the Help Desk at 315.443.2677 or help@syr.edu
    3. Once logging in you will see the below image
      1. All files that are available for download will appear under File name as a "takeout" zip file, this represents the data that was in your Google account.
    4. To download all of your data you will need to select the download link to the far right of the file name.
      1. Please note that you may have multiple takeout zip files, if you would like to retrieve all of your data you will need to click all of the download links separately.
      2. Keep in mind the File Size when choosing the destination for your data. 
    5. After selecting download file, depending on your browser settings, your device will ask you where to save the file or it will download immediately in your downloads folder on your device.





If any further support is needed with this process feel free to contact the Help Desk directly at 315.443.2677 or email help@syr.edu


Syracuse University's Information Technology Resources Acceptable Use Policy