How to fix this issue where the source and destination file names are the same?

Question

I'm getting this message when trying to copy folders and files from the Onedrive document folder into another folder. Basically, while I'm way for the rest of the week and offline, I'd like to move everything to a second folder to clean everything up, remove duplicates and restructure my folders without tampering with the original folders.

Weirdly, when I search for the apparent duplicate file, it cannot be found. What gives? Is this an issue?

Answer 1

Hi DB,

Good day. I'm Jhun an independent advisor. In regards with your file transfer issue on your OneDrive folder, sometimes OneDrive folders look different but are actually the same synced location. One sample is:

"C:\Users\YourName\Documents" is the same with "C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive\Documents".

On most systems , documents is already redirected to OneDrive, so copying between them triggers the “same file” message.

Try to check these both folders on your system first.

Here are other scenarios:

A. Check you might have hidden duplicate. Your folder might have hidden files with same filenames. To view these hidden files:

1. In File Explorer > View > enable: File name extensions Hidden items
2. Sort by Name
3. Check carefully for almost-identical names.

B. OneDrive sync placeholder conflict. OneDrive sometimes creates hidden temporary sync files when, a file hasn’t fully downloaded, files are “cloud-only” and there was a previous interrupted sync. To fix:

1. Right-click the source folder > “Always keep on this device”.
2. Wait until all files show the green checkmark (fully downloaded).
3. Then try copying again.

Workarounds:

If it's OK and possible, as an alternative procedure, try to make a new folder outside the OneDrive Folder (Desktop, or other drive:).

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Jhun