When "Append Changes to existing text" turned off text not showing

Question

Is it possible to show the original text of this multiple line text column when I turn off the Option "Append Changes to existing text" ?

Append changes 2.png

Answer 1

Hi @Shkodra Kaltrina,

Thank you for your reply.

First:

Based on your response, I tested it repeatedly and found that if you end up typing all spaces, it will be considered a record, even though it will not be recorded in the “Append Changes to existing text” state. However, if you look at the project's version history, you'll see that new versions have been generated. This results in blank content being displayed after canceling “Append Changes to existing text”.

In “Append Changes to existing text” state, spaces will not be recorded.

However, if you look at the version history, a new version will be generated.

I suggest you check your items' version history for issues.

Second:

If it's not the first case, it's likely that you're having a problem by chance. I suggest that you:

1.Are other users facing the same problem? View through another computer or account.

2.Whether all SharePoint lists have the same problem? You could create a new SharePoint list to check.

3.Check if the same issue occurs with other SharePoint sites.

4.You could try to clear browser cache then restart it.

5.Try to use a different browser or your browser's InPrivate mode to see if the same error occurs.

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Answer 2

Hi @Shkodra Kaltrina,

Thank you for posting in this community.

Based on your description, I did a test that it was true that when we turned off Append Changes to Existing Text, the multi-line text only showed what was added last time.

That's how Append Changes to Existing Text works in SharePoint.

When you enable the feature Append Changes to Existing Text for a field in a SharePoint list item, changes to that field are shown as a thread. The earlier text cannot be changed, but new text is shown above the earlier text. This feature is especially useful for discussions and issue tracking.

If we want to display the original content, we can only roll back the current item.

Here’s how you can restore the first content:

1. Open the List: Navigate to the SharePoint list where your item is located.
2. Select the Item: Click on the item for which you want to restore the content.
3. View Version History: In the item’s context menu (usually accessible by right-clicking or clicking the ellipsis ...), select Version History.
4. Review Versions: You will see a list of versions. Click on the version that contains the original content you want to restore.
5. Restore Version: Once you have identified the correct version, you can either view it or restore it. To restore, click on the version’s dropdown menu and select Restore.

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