Issue/Question
- OneDrive is notifying me that some files or folders are not able to sync.
- I get an error message when trying to sync a file or folder to OneDrive.
Environment
Microsoft OneDrive has a sync client available for macOS and Windows. This client, when installed, will synchronize files and folders stored within the OneDrive folder. In many cases, a feature called "Known Folder Move" or KFM is enabled which automatically syncs the Windows Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to OneDrive (macOS functionality coming in 2022). Sometimes, when sync is configured, some files or folders may not sync correctly.
Resolution
There could be a number of reasons why syncing won't work correctly but it is often not for an all files or folders, usually just certain ones. Below are items to look for that might be preventing a sync.
Restricted Characters
There is a list of characters that can not exist in file or folder names. If they exist, then the item will not sync and you will receive an error message. The following characters are not allowed.
" * : < > ? / \ |
In addition, leading or trailing spaces are also not allowed.
Invalid File or Folder Names
Some file or folder names are also restricted and will not be synced. Below is a list of those names.
.lock, CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, COM0 - COM9, LPT0 - LPT9, _vti_, desktop.ini, anything starting with ~$
Notes:
_vti_ can not appear anywhere in the file/folder name.
The word "forms" isn't allowed at the top level of a Sharepoint Library
You can't create a folder in SharePoint that starts with ~
If you need further assistance, please contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk