Replace or overwrite existing folders

Question

Is it possible to replace or overwrite existing folders in SharePoint Online? If yes, can we see the previous versions?

Answer 1

Hi Shane,

Thank you for posting back.

We understand that you want to use the feature of Upload Multiple Documents in SharePoint Online, however, we’re afraid that there is no out of box way to achieve that in SharePoint Online. In SharePoint Online, you can only upload one folder at a time. If a folder with the same name already exists in the library, the upload folder will display the same error as the one you provided. There is a bit difference between SharePoint Online and SharePoint 2010.

To address your concern about the situation, we’d suggest you go to SharePoint Uservoice to provide your feedback. This is the best platform to let us hear from you and make our products and services better for you and others. At the same time, for the "Overwrite existing files" option, we’d suggest you kindly vote this UserVoice: Bring back the "Replace" option for overwriting files.

Thank you for your understanding!

Best Regards,

Sukie

Answer 2

Hi Sukie,

Thanks for your response. Currently, we are using SharePoint 2010 and will soon migrate to SharePoint Online.

In SharePoint Online, when I am trying to upload a folder (with some files in it) to replace an existing folder, it gives me this error - "A file or folder with the name xxx already exists"  

In SharePoint 2010 there is an option "Upload Multiple Documents" which allows us to upload multiple files and folders in one go. If we upload a folder with some files in it and tick the "Overwrite existing files" option, it replaces/overwrites the files in that folder without actually replacing the original folder. The folder created/modified date remains unchanged.

Do we have similar functionality in SharePoint Online?

Answer 3

Hi BrianaIT

Thank you for your message in this forum.

You mentioned “replace or overwrite existing folders”, may I know if you want to edit the documents and items of folder? If so, you can restore a previous version of an item or files in SharePoint Online, you can go to list or library > Right click on the space between the item or document name and date, and then click Version History from the menu. You might need to scroll the menu to see Version History > In the Version History dialog, hover next to the version you want and click the down arrow on the right side to get a list of options. For more details, you can refer to this article: Restore a previous version of an item or file in SharePoint.

If you want to upload a folder to replace the exiting folders, you may need to delete the previous folder. There is no out of box way to see the previous version of folder.

We understand the situation and you make a great point. To address your concern about the situation, we’d suggest you kindly vote this UserVoice: Allow restoring previous version of folders by specific date.. This is the best platform to let us hear from you and make our products and services better for you and others.

If the scenarios above are not consistent with yours, could you provide more details about how you replace or overwrite existing folders?

We appreciate your understanding!

Best Regards,

Sukie