OneDrive Error, Source & Destination File Names are the Same

A client recently encountered an error while trying to save a file within their OneDrive folder on their computer. The error read, “The source and destination file names are the same.”

 

 

In this case, the solution was to simply reduce the length of the path to the file in question.

In this article I go into greater detail on the cause and solution to the OneDrive “The source and destination file names are the same.” error.

 

OneDrive File Access Error

All Microsoft Windows based computers have a total path+filename length limit of 260 characters. Because of this limitation, the error may occur with some files (the ones that exceed that character limit) and not others when using Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage application.

Take the file name provided in my image above: “Beachwalk Gardens – Change Order #1 – Carrier Beam Replacement.pdf“.

Now take note of the length of path AND filename below:

C:\Users\your-username-here\OneDrive – Your Business Name Here\DATA\Multi Family Bids\Beachwalk Gardens\Beachwalk Gardens – Lanai Repairs & Resstoration Projects\Beachwalk Gardens – Lanai Restorations – Phase 1\Beachwalk Gardens – Change Order #1 – Carrier Beam Replacement.pdf

The above combined path and filename is 277 characters in total length which exceeds Windows’ limit of 260 characters. Hence the file access or save error.

To overcome the “The source and destination file names are the same.” error you will need to reduce the path and/or filename so you are within the 260 character limit. Again, this is a limit within the Windows operating system and not under your control.

You may be asking yourself “Why does this error only occur on my computer but not Joe’s“. Again, it has to do with the total length limit which includes the entire path to the file. The name “Joe” (3 characters) within the file path is shorter than “Stephanie” (9 characters). So accessing the file may work on Joe’s computer but not Stephanie’s if the path + filename exceeds that 260 character limit even by 1 character. Hope this makes sense.

Here is a suggested path and filename structure for consideration:

C:\Users\your-username-here\OneDrive – Your Business Name Here\Multi Family Bids\Beachwalk Gardens\Lanai Repairs, Phase-1, Change Order-1, Carrier Beam Replacement.pdf

The above combined path AND filename is just 167 characters in total length versus the original 277 characters. You also have the added benefit of faster access since we cut out about 3 directories. One should keep to the Rule of 3 with regards to their directory structure. Learn more about the my Rule of 3 Directory Structure below.

 

Rule of 3, Directory Structure

The “Rule of 3”  refers to a directory structure with a maximum of three (3) levels of organization. This structure is designed to provide a logical grouping of files and directories, enhancing system performance and simplifying file access.

Key Characteristics:

• Three total levels of directories: Files are organized into three hierarchical levels, allowing for a more granular and structured storage system.
• Logical grouping: The three-level directory structure enables a highly logical organization of files, making it easier to locate and manage data.
• Suitable for large-scale systems: This directory structure is particularly effective in large-scale systems, as it provides a scalable and maintainable way to organize files and directories.

Comparison to Other Directory Structures:

• Single-level directory structure: Does not provide logical grouping, making it less effective for large-scale systems.
• Two-level directory structure: An improvement over single-level, but still limited in its ability to organize files and directories in a logical manner.

In essence, the Rule of 3 Directory Structure is a well-organized and scalable approach to file and directory management, particularly suitable for large-scale systems.

Its three-level hierarchy provides a logical grouping of files, enhancing system performance and simplifying file access. Give it a try!

 

Conclusion

I welcome your thoughts, questions or suggestions on my article on how to resolve the OneDrive file access error: “The source and destination file names are the same.”

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Let me know if you found any errors within my article or if I may further assist you by answering any additional questions you may have.