"Cannot find this file" error when trying to attach a recent file from OneDrive for Business or Sharepoint in Outlook 2016

Question

When I've been working on a file that is stored in our Sharepoint or my ODfB storage and then try to use Outlook to send it and use the recent items list in Outlook to try and attach it as a link, I often get an error message that Outlook "Cannot find this file.  Verify that the path and file name are correct" which they are.  I can instead navigate directly to the file by selecting browse web locations, and then navigate to the synced SharePoint location on my PC.  But this adds the file as an attachment and not a link.  I then have the opportunity to save it to OneDrive which will convert it to a link, but it isn't clear to me if it is uploading it to the same location in my SharePoint (and not to a OneDrive for Business folder).

I would like to understand what leads to Outlook not being able to find the file in the first place, and what I can try to do to avoid this in the future?

Answer 1

I fixed it!

I went to File -> Office Account.  Under User Information I signed out.  Had to sign out twice.  I singed back in and then removed any connected services that did not automatically come back after signing back in.  All that was left was my business one drive and my sites for SharePoint.  I then restarted Outlook (because why not).  I was then able to go back to an email and attach a linked file.

Answer 2

Cliff,

1. This appears to happen frequently and under many different circumstances, but here is the steps from the most recent occurrence:

1. Saved an Excel file from an email to a synced Sharepoint folder on my Windows 10 PC
2. Created a 2nd working copy (different file name) saved in the same location
3. Worked on the file for an hour or so and then wanted to send a link to the file to my team
4. Opened up a new email in Outlook 2016
5. Clicked on the attach file button
6. From the recent items list I see my file listed twice, one with the cloud icon indicating it is saved online, and one without the cloud icon
7. Path for both files is essentially the same (cloud uses forward slashes instead of backslashes in the path)
8. Click on the file with the cloud and choose the Share a Link option
9. Get the following error message
10. 
11. I've verified that the file I'm trying to upload has a green check next to it in Explorer, indicating it has synced with Sharepoint
12. I can attach the local copy of the file just fine, but I want to send the link so that my team can all work together in the same document.

Edit: I have tried to attach any file in the recent files list and get the same error.  However, today when I just now browsed to Browse Web Locations -> Group Files -> I was able to get to my file and select it and it uploaded a link (took a long time though).  This did not work yesterday.

Answer 3

Hi RH100,

Please let us know your updates at your convenience if you need further help on this issue.

Thanks,

Cliff

Answer 4

Hi RH100,

Thanks for your updates.

From your description, it seems that the issue happens in all files in the recent file list.

If yes, I’d like you to confirm the following.

1. Check if the issue happens all files in the affected site library in SharePoint Online. Does the site where the site library is is an Office 365 group site?
2. Check if the changes you made in synced files can be synced to the site library in SharePoint Online via the new OneDrive sync client.
3. Are you using the new OneDrive sync client to sync the files?

Thanks,

Cliff

Answer 5

Hi RH100,

For us to move forward, I’d like you to confirm and provide the following.

1. Please list the detailed reproducing steps of the issue you are experiencing.
2. Upload some related screenshots of the issue.

Thanks,

Cliff