A orphaned file is a file that lost its parent folder. Typically in a shared folder/files scenario. Someone has a folder shared to you and/or other accounts and you place a file into it. Then someone deleted that shared folder which puts the file or files in the orphaned status. Can they always be restored, if you owned the file, then a search for is:unorganized should find that file and you would just then need to drag/move it into another folder or My Drive.
Note that this does not apply if you own a folder and files within. If you delete the folder, then the file goes with it.
Original post from https://support.google.com
Posted by: Rotary Steve
Original poster: Littlewonder
Posted by: Rotary Steve
Original poster: Littlewonder