Fix OneDrive/SharePoint File Path Issue

Students, faculty, and staff using OneDrive or SharePoint may run into an error message notifying them of a file path that is too long. Following this guide will fix the issue for all computers connected to the OneDrive/SharePoint.

Open

1) Find the file

In this guide, you will use the website (web app) version of OneDrive/SharePoint in order to bypass your computer’s sync.

1. Leave the popup window open.

2. Open your web browser

   1. If the file is in your personal OneDrive, visit s.uconn.edu/onedrive

   2. If the file is in a SharePoint, visit s.uconn.edu/sharepoint

      1. Click on the SharePoint that is giving you trouble. Next, click on Documents (click on the Document Library that contains the problematic file path).

3. Using the file path shown in the popup window, navigate to the file giving you trouble.

2) Fix the issue

There are two options for fixing the file. The two methods can be thought of a Band-Aid fix, and the other a systemic fix.

• “Band-Aid fix”

  • Using the website, rename the file to a shorter name.

  • This fix works if the file has an uncommonly long name.

• Systemic fix
  A folder that contains other folders is known as a Parent Folder. The sub-folders are known as Child Folders.

  • Rename the Parent Folder.

  • Moving up the folder hierarchy towards the root (top-level Parent Folder), shorten the name of the highest-level folder that is appropriate.

  • Shortening a folder name helps every file and folder within it.

3) Restart the OneDrive App sync

1. In the OneDrive App’s error popup window, click Try again.

2. The app will close itself and restart.

3. Once the app reopens, you may click on the cloud icon in your taskbar/toolbar to view the sync process.

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