Understanding General Exception While Processing, Checkout Item API Microsoft sharepoint

Question

I'm receiving a 500 error when trying to check out an item from a document library via the Graph API. My usecase here is to update the metadata on a document library/sharepoint list item programmatically. Originally I was getting a 500 error when trying to update the list item fields, but as I tested via the UI , I noticed it gave me a document must be checked out first error. I am now trying to check out the document, but getting a 500 error with no indication of the underlying issue. I don't believe it's a permission or syntax problem, because I was able to the use same call and permissions on a different site that we have. Any ideas here/ could I get someone to look up the request ID and let me know the error?

{
    "error": {
        "code": "generalException",
        "message": "General exception while processing",
        "innerError": {
            "date": "2024-12-02T18:52:13",
            "request-id": "bf8e9580-50fb-41af-97c8-14588a2810d2",
            "client-request-id": "bf8e9580-50fb-41af-97c8-14588a2810d2"
        }
    }
}

Answer 1

Hi @Clouse, Dalton M,

Thanks for reaching out to us and your request has been well received.

Firstly, is it possible to confirm with me what checkout API you are using?

I am using POST https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/drives/{documentdriveId}/items/{itemId}/checkout.

If you have any differences, please let me know and we will retest.

Secondly, if we're using the same API, it is likely that one of the following is causing the problem, so please troubleshoot each one:

1. Check Permissions: Ensure that your app has the correct permissions. For checking out items, you need Files.ReadWrite or Files.ReadWrite.All for delegated permissions, or Files.ReadWrite.All for application permissions.
2. Validate API Call: Test the API call using the Microsoft Graph Explorer with another user who has the necessary permissions to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is with the API call or the server.
3. Check Request Details: Ensure that the driveId and itemId are correct. Double-check the URL in your request. Here I am attaching the method to get driveId and itemId. You can verify that yours are correct.
   • Get the Site ID: First, you need the siteId of the SharePoint site that contains the document library. You can get this by searching for the site:

          GET https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0//sites?search={site-name}
          
     

     
   • Get the Document Drive ID: Once you have the siteId, you can retrieve the driveId of the document library:

          GET https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/sites/{siteId}/drives
     

     
   • Get the Item ID: Once you have the driveId, you can retrieve the itemId of the document library:

          GET https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/drives/{driveId}/root/children
     

     
4. Server Status: A 500 error is usually a server-side error. Sometimes, the issue might be temporary. Wait for a while and try the request again later.

As for the request ID you mentioned, it was automatically generated when you sent your request. For your safety we do not have access to your environment, so we have no way, via request ID, to see exactly why the problem arose.

Please try to see if my suggestion above works first. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Moreover, if the issue can be fixed successfully, please click” Accept Answer” so that we can better archive the case and the other community members who are suffering the same issue can benefit from it.

Answer 2

Not sure what the actual error was, but it pertained to the specific file I was trying with, trying other documents in the library worked. Also as a note, if you get a 500 when trying to update list item information, it may be because the document requires a checkout firs.t