Fixing “File Corruption Detected” in SharePoint – A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

A “File Corruption Detected” error occurs when SharePoint cannot open, process, or sync a file due to corruption. Corrupted files may become unreadable, prevent collaboration, or even disappear from document libraries.

Common Error Messages:

• “File cannot be opened because it is corrupted.”
• “SharePoint cannot process the file due to corruption.”
• “Upload failed. The file is damaged or unreadable.”
• “Document cannot be opened. It may be corrupt or in an unsupported format.”

This guide provides detailed troubleshooting steps to recover, repair, and prevent file corruption in SharePoint.

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Step 1: Identify the Cause of File Corruption

Possible Reasons for File Corruption:

✅ Interrupted Upload or Download – Network issues during file transfers.
✅ Sync Conflicts – OneDrive or SharePoint Sync errors causing corruption.
✅ Malware or Viruses – Infected files becoming unreadable.
✅ Unsupported File Format – The file is not compatible with SharePoint.
✅ Storage Issues – Disk errors in the local or cloud storage system.
✅ Large File Size – Files exceeding SharePoint’s size limits.
✅ Hardware or Software Failure – Power outages, crashes, or faulty storage devices.

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Step 2: Try Opening the File Locally

Before troubleshooting in SharePoint, check if the file opens on your local device.

Method 1: Open the File in a Desktop Application

1. Download the file from SharePoint.
2. Open it in the corresponding application:
   • Word Document (.docx) → Microsoft Word
   • Excel Spreadsheet (.xlsx) → Microsoft Excel
   • PowerPoint Presentation (.pptx) → Microsoft PowerPoint
   • PDF File → Adobe Acrobat Reader
3. If the file opens normally, the issue is likely with SharePoint.
4. If the file does not open, it is likely corrupted.

Method 2: Open the File in Another Program

1. Right-click the file → Select Open With.
2. Try opening it with a different application (e.g., Notepad for text files).
3. If the file opens, save a new copy and re-upload it to SharePoint.

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Step 3: Restore a Previous Version from SharePoint

SharePoint stores multiple versions of files, allowing you to restore an earlier, uncorrupted version.

Restore a Previous Version in SharePoint:

1. Right-click the file in the SharePoint library.
2. Select Version History.
3. Look for the last working version.
4. Click Restore next to that version.
5. Try opening the restored file.

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Step 4: Repair the Corrupted File Using Microsoft Office

If the file is an Office document, use built-in repair tools.

For Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files:

1. Open the Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint).
2. Click File → Open.
3. Select Browse and locate the corrupted file.
4. Click the dropdown next to Open and select Open and Repair.
5. If successful, save the repaired file and upload it back to SharePoint.

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Step 5: Try Uploading a Fresh Copy of the File

If the corrupted file was uploaded improperly, try re-uploading it.

Steps to Upload a New Copy:

1. Download the file to your local computer.
2. Rename the file (e.g., Report_v2.docx).
3. Upload it back to the same SharePoint location.

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Step 6: Check for Sync Errors in OneDrive

If you’re using OneDrive Sync, corrupted files may be caused by sync errors.

Restart OneDrive Sync:

1. Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
2. Click Help & Settings → Pause syncing.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then click Resume syncing.
4. Try opening the file again.

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Step 7: Repair SharePoint Sync Issues

If your file was corrupted due to syncing problems, reset SharePoint Sync.

For OneDrive Sync Issues:

1. Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
2. Select Settings → Unlink this PC.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Sign in to OneDrive and re-sync your SharePoint files.

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Step 8: Recover Corrupted Files Using CHKDSK (For Local Storage Issues)

If your file was stored on a local drive before uploading to SharePoint, check for disk errors.

Run CHKDSK to Repair Corrupted Files:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk /f /r
3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer.
4. Try opening the file again.

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Step 9: Use Third-Party File Repair Tools

If the file is still corrupted, consider using third-party repair software:

Recommended Tools:

🔹 Stellar Repair for Word/Excel/PDF – Repairs corrupted Office and PDF files.
🔹 EaseUS Data Recovery – Recovers lost or damaged files.
🔹 DiskInternals ZIP Repair – Fixes corrupted compressed files.

1. Download and install a file repair tool.
2. Open the corrupted file using the tool.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to recover and save the fixed file.
4. Upload the repaired file back to SharePoint.

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Step 10: Contact IT Support or Restore from Backup

If none of the above steps work, contact your IT team.

Ask Your IT Department To:

✔ Check SharePoint logs for file corruption reports.
✔ Restore the file from SharePoint backups.
✔ Investigate server or network-related file corruption.

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Preventing Future File Corruption in SharePoint

✔ Ensure Stable Internet Connections – Prevents file corruption during upload.
✔ Avoid Simultaneous Editing Conflicts – Use co-authoring mode in SharePoint.
✔ Regularly Backup Important Files – Save copies in another location.
✔ Enable File Versioning in SharePoint – Allows you to restore older versions.
✔ Use Supported File Formats – Avoid using unsupported or legacy file types.
✔ Keep Software Updated – Ensure Microsoft Office, OneDrive, and SharePoint are up to date.

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