Problem

You may encounter a number of issues with file names and file types when transferring files into your OneDrive account. Here are some examples:

If you receive an error listed above, or a variation of it, follow the steps below to fix your file name(s) so they can sync with OneDrive.

Renaming Files

If you need to rename your files so they can sync with OneDrive:

On MacOS:

  1. Right click on the file you would like to rename and then select Rename.


  2. You can now edit the file name and remove/add characters as needed.

On Windows 10:

  1. Right click on the file you would like to rename and then select Rename

  2. You can now edit the file name and remove/add characters as needed.


Why am I getting an error?

Invalid Characters

If your file name has any of these characters, the characters will need to be removed

" * : < > ? / \ |

If the file name has more than 400 characters then it will need to be shortened.

Invalid File Types

If your file is any of these file types, therefore ends with any of these characters, the file will need to be converted into another file type

.lock, CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, COM0 - COM9, LPT0 - LPT9, _vti_, desktop.ini, .ds_store, any filename starting with ~$

Temporary files (TMP) will also not sync to OneDrive

OneNote notebooks can not be synced to OneDrive unless they have been created on OneDrive. OneNote notebooks have their own syncing mechanism independent of OneDrive.

Check the Microsoft guide if you would like to move a OneNote notebook to OneDrive.

Windows Specific

For the sync app to work as designed, the following requirements must be met

MacOS Specific

Case-sensitive formatted disk volume isn't supported

For more information regarding file name or file type issues with OneDrive, you can check the Microsoft troubleshooting guide.


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Need help?

Contact the IST Service Desk online or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.

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