Jun 30, 2020
Save documents locally instead of to drive
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The other Product Experts are having a hard time answering your question because you are trying to use your Chromebook and Google Docs in a way that it was not designed. Try to use it like a Windows/Mac/Linux computer, and you will be constantly running into problems, unless you fully understand that a ChromeOS computer is a cloud-centric device.
You can use other word processing programs, instead of Docs. Microsoft's Word is available as an Android app and you can get it from the Play Store. You can also run a variety of programs in Linux.
But, I think the best thing for you to do is sell or return your Chromebook, and buy something else.
If you wish to learn the benefits of using Google Drive, we can surely help you.
Diamond Product Expert Tickmc recommended this
All Replies (13)
Google user
Jun 30, 2020
Greetings and Welcome to Google Drive Help Community 😀
Are you trying to save Google Doc Editor Files (docs, slides, sheets & etc..)?
The above mentioned files may only be opened using Google Chrome.
Note: it is possible to convert the files to PDF, Powerpoint and etc... to be saved on the local drive. However more than likely the files formatting may not be retained.
Best,
Ms. Drasby
(Volunteer Support & NOT Google Employee)
Jun 30, 2020
To be clear, I don't want them on Google Drive AT ALL. I only want them local. I do not want to convert them and download them. I just want them to start on my computer, stay on my computer, and never ever touch Google Drive.
Google user
Jul 1, 2020
Are you still looking to use the sharing features of drive?
Last edited Jul 1, 2020
Jul 1, 2020
- Go into a Word processor
- Type words into the word processor
- Click "save"
- It saves to my local drive. At no point is it saved to the cloud.
I don't know how you got that I want to use sharing features. I want to use a word processor the way that they've worked for decades. To process words and save the document.
Google user
Jul 1, 2020
Well then why are you using a Chromebook?
it is generally meant to be used as a cloud based device.
I couldn't understand why you chose to post this question in Google Drive.
BTW there are quite a few advantages to using a Cloud based word processor.
Something to keep in mind a Chromebook usually doesn't offer much hard drive storage. You might want to post in the Chromebook Help Community to see if there is a way to just create, and store on the Chromebook without syncing to Google Drive. https://support.google.com/chromebook/community?hl=en
Best,
Ms. Drasby
Last edited Jul 1, 2020
Jul 1, 2020
Google user
Jul 1, 2020
Last edited Jul 1, 2020
Google user
Jul 1, 2020
Thanks for pitching in here and sharing your Chromebook knowledge.
@Daniel Skrivan because this is a Chromebook question I'm moving the thread to the Chromebook Help Community. The experts there are quite knowledgeable about Chromebooks and may be able to best direct you with this situation.
Best Regards,
Ms. Drasby
Jul 1, 2020
The other Product Experts are having a hard time answering your question because you are trying to use your Chromebook and Google Docs in a way that it was not designed. Try to use it like a Windows/Mac/Linux computer, and you will be constantly running into problems, unless you fully understand that a ChromeOS computer is a cloud-centric device.
You can use other word processing programs, instead of Docs. Microsoft's Word is available as an Android app and you can get it from the Play Store. You can also run a variety of programs in Linux.
But, I think the best thing for you to do is sell or return your Chromebook, and buy something else.
If you wish to learn the benefits of using Google Drive, we can surely help you.
Diamond Product Expert Tickmc recommended this
Jul 2, 2020
What is the threshold for Chromebook to "detect a problem with itself" that it will powerwash? Will that affect any USB drives that are attached?
I purchased this because I wanted a tablet that I can also use as a laptop. I just want something I can do internet browsing, videos, and basic productivity on; with a long battery life. The options for Windows are more expensive, and Windows makes for a horrible tablet experience. I have personal reasons for not going for a Mac (in addition to those generally being way more expensive than even Windows). I understand that there's not much space, but 32 GB is more than enough space for some text documents or a few spreadsheets. And I have plenty of USB drives (which I can use with the Chromebook).
I didn't purchase it for being a cloud system. I purchased it because it seems to be the most cost-effective method of getting what I want.
Quapaw is not in this forum.
A Powerwash can happen at any time, if ChromeOS detects what might be a hacking attempt, or merely sees data corruption of any kind. External storage is not erased - only internal storage. We encourage users to backup data to external storage or cloud.
I will, once again, state that you bought the Chromebook for the wrong reasons and expectations. Chromebooks place security first, and are designed for cloud storage.
Build Your Chromebook Skills:
Open your Apps Launcher and then open the built in Help system. It is full of important information , features, and techniques to help you fully utilize your Chromebook.
Also visit Google's Chromebook website that is full of tutorials and other important information.
There also is a great set of animated simulations of features:
Learn about your Google account by clicking on your account avatar that is shown at the upper right of most pages, or by going directly to https://myaccount.google.com
You can get help in other ways too, like with the keyboard shortcut ctrl / or by typing "Help" in the Launcher.
Can’t remember the keyboard shortcuts? You just need to remember one, ctrl alt /
Google also has extensive, and searchable, online help for Chromebooks. Explore here.
Do you prefer videos? Google has a dedicated Chromebook channel on YouTube.
The Chrome Unboxed blog site is a great source for keeping up with ChromeOS changes and news. They also have a great introductory video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTGs-CekbhY
Another excellent blog site is About Chromebooks.
Many how-to articles are on this excellent website https://www.chromestory.com/
Finally, here is a great Definitive Guide that will also help you get started.
Spend some time learning about your Chromebook; you’ll be glad you did.
Finally, here is a great Definitive Guide that will also help you get started.
Spend some time learning about your Chromebook; you’ll be glad you did.
1 Video
Jul 2, 2020
Especially since it looks like I can get what I need with OpenOffice, and have the file security if I use a USB drive.
You guys are horrible advocates for these products.
I advocate for truth and effective solutions that meet individual users' needs. Google expects nothing less.
I try to educate users about the peculiarities of Chrome OS and do work hard to see that users are aware of the potential loss of their locally-stored data. Note that you MUST backup your Crostini container regularly - it will also get wiped.
I do hope OpenOffice (or LibreOffice) works for you. Many people use it.