Auto Rename app provides assistance finding files that contain invalid character(s), based on OneDrive restrictions, in their file name. App also helps you replace invalid character(s) in file/directory name in seconds rather than minutes or hours if done manually.Quickly fix OneDrive sync problems.
Auto Rename App Preview
OneDrive uses some characters that have special meanings when used in file/folder names. For example, if a file or folder you are trying to upload to OneDrive contains any invalid character(s), it fails to syncing. You will need to rename the file or folder to remove these characters before you upload it.
Invalid Characters in OneDrive and SharePoint in Microsoft 365
“ * : < > ? / \ |
Invalid Characters in OneDrive and SharePoint Server 2013
~ " # % & * : < > ? / \ { | } .
More Information about restrictions and limitations in OneDrive and SharePoint...
Figure 1. Auto Rename's main user interface.
File name and path lengths
Another common limitation or issue, when migrating to OneDrive, is the total file path including full path + file name. "The entire decoded file path, including the file name, can't contain more than 400 characters for OneDrive, OneDrive for work or school and SharePoint in Microsoft 365."
For example, if the file URL in SharePoint is https://www.contoso.com/sites/marketing/documents/Shared%20Documents/Promotion/Some%20File.xlsx, the limit applies to “sites/marketing/documents/Shared Documents/Promotion/Some File.xlsx.”
Option to explore length of searched items (files and folders with valid or invalid characters in their name) is found under View menu option > Characters in Item Name .
Options to sort items in different categories based on their name i.e., characters on their name and their extension if applicable.
Figure 2. Options to list files/directory by their name lengths.
Remarks
- Easy to use
- Scans recursively folders at once
- Several options available to automatically rename files
- Option to generate report of the found filesnames (print/pdf file)
Figure 3. Available search character options and replacing character options.
Key Features:
- Simple, easy, and quick tool to find invalid characters in filename
- Explore folder where file was found by double clicking on listed file
- Choose replacing character to avoid changing meaning of the filename
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers