OneNote 2016 synchronization issues

Question

I use the OneNote 2016 desktop program daily on Windows 10.  This error keeps occurring constantly starting today:  "Something happened and we can't write to the notebook cache.  It might be because of a change in file permissions or because of a serious disk error OneNote will exit now.  Please contact technical support for assistance.  Error code: 0x5."

I installed the OneNote diagnostic tool, it shows up in Add/Remove Programs.  It does not show up in a Start search.  Can't understand how to start it or use it.  I also had a section that couldn't sync.  I copied its pages to a new section and deleted the original section.  There are no available Windows 10 or Office updates.  I ran the Windows troubleshooter:  It turned on UAC and that was all.  I opened the workbook on line, closed the local copy.  That did not end well.  Reopening the local copy is not working (same error.)

The permissions on the cache folder are System, Administrators, and my user, all having full control.

When OneNote reopens, it prompts to start normally, delete cache, or delete all settings.  I tried Delete cache: "Something went wrong and we can't do what you asked.  We're sorry."  Close that and I get "OneNote cannot access the notebook cache file.  It may be corrupted. OneNote will restart and create a new cache file. Error code: 0xE00012C2."  Then another message dialog says that the cache file is corrupted.  Choices are Delete Cache, Make a Copy, or Cancel.  I chose make a copy.  "OneNote cannot delete the notebook cache file.  Verify that you have write access and try again."  Well, I do have full access.  Back to the final choice.  I chose Delete Settings.  Again I get I get "OneNote cannot access the notebook cache file.  It may be corrupted. OneNote will restart and create a new cache file. Error code: 0xE00012C2."  This is a circle I cannot escape. 

Next day:  I can open some sections, but many are saying:  The file is locked for editing because someone else is using it. If this message keeps appearing, it could mean there's a problem with the server and you should contact the server administrator. (Error code: 0x20)

Answer 1

It did install successfully the first time.  Apparently the only way to run it is to find it in C:\Program Files (x86)\OneNoteDiagnostics and double click OneNoteDiagnostics.exe.  I'll leave it running until the next problem occurs.

Answer 2

You seemed to have not read my first post:  "I installed the OneNote diagnostic tool, it shows up in Add/Remove Programs.  It does not show up in a Start search."

Answer 3

To run the OneNote Diagnostic Tool, we need to download it. Here's the link where you can get it.

Regards.

Answer 4

Hi Desiree,

Thanks for writing.  I did follow all those steps already before I posted the first message.  I noticed that after that last message that notebooks were in read only and open by another user, when I viewed the session on line, I was logged in, but it said my name was also logged in.  I closed the browser and logged in to the online workbook again.  This time it did not say I was logged in twice.  It seems to have unlocked the notebooks and they are synchronizing again, so far.

Can you tell me how to start and use the onenote diagnostic tool?  It is not on the start menu or task manager but is in the installed programs list.  Is it not compatible with Windows 10?

Scott

Answer 5

Hi Scott,

To get this fixed, kindly follow the instructions found on the links below:

• Troubleshoot synchronization errors in OneNote 2016 for Windows
• Fix issues when you can't sync OneNote

Let us know how it goes.