Folders are not shown under root directory when use 'root' in parents when using Google Drive api files list

Question

I just wanted to see folders and files under root directory when i set ‘root’ in parents in Q, but I can see only one file titled “Get started” pdf file. (I used C# code)

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Answer 1

If the only file you are seeing is “Get started” pdf file that is a sure sign that you are using a service account for authentication.

Service accounts are not you. Think of it as a dummy user it has its own google drive account which by default has no files.

Options:

1. Upload files to the service account using the files.create method
2. Share a folder on your personal google drive account with the service account. You do this by taking the service account email address and sharing a folder with it. Note: to my knowledge you cant share your personal root folder with anyone.

Tip: If you are allowing the service account to upload files to your personal google drive account remember to have it grant your personal user permissions to access the files using permissions.create method or you are going to have files on your drive account that you dont have permissions to access.