Cannot upload file, this file contains system files error on Redirected My Documents folder

Question

Hi,

Windows 10 and 11 users are receiving "cannot upload file, this file contains system files" error when attempting to upload Excel CSV files to a web-based application.

Files are located in their My Documents folder, which is being redirected to a 2016 Windows server using an on-prem AD Group policy.

The files are accessible and can be opened in Excel. When we move the same files outside of the redirected folder, to let's say, C:\Files, the upload works just fine. Also external users outside of this site can upload using the same browser version.

This error is only happening on files in the redirected user folders in this organization.

Any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi,

You can manually clear the system attribute of the file using attrib.exe

attrib.exe -s C:\File\Path

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/attrib

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

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Answer 2

I get the same error - I cannot run around and reset attributes on users files, but instead need to find a permanent fix for this (security/GPO etc).

If I copy the same file to another network drive, I do NOT get the error message, but if the file is located on a Redirect folder, I receive the error msg.

Answer 3

I am still curious why this attribute was suddenly changed on the redirected My Documents folder?

Answer 4

I was getting the same error trying to save a simple PDF document. I found the problem was with the folder name i was trying to save to. It was to long. The person had created the folder with about 20 spaces in between two words. As soon as I removed the spaces it let me save to the folder with no error. My guess is Microsoft file name length restrictions cause an issue that makes it believe there are system files there somehow.

I suggest you try checking the folder name.