File checked out for edit

Recently I have seen an issue where user was unable to delete a folder in a SharePoint online document library because a file was checked out for editing by a user. An in folder there was not file with pending checkout. And mandatory checkout was disabled on the document library.

Solution:

There were mandatory fields metadata fields on the SharePoint document library and documents were copied in bulk in folder view and due to mandatory fields, documents status automatically changes to checked out to the current user. As you know that a document will not be shown to the users until unless it should have atleast one minor version. So, there can be another issue that users were unable to view uploaded content.

Now how to verify that, go to the document library settings and click on Manage files which have no checked in version link. This will show you all the files without checked in version.

Manage files with no checked in version

You can either asked the person to check in these files or can take the owner ship of the files and check in by yourself.

One important thing is that you need to provide the mandatory metadata fields values. In my scenario, I have to delete folders so I have remove the required field check from the list columns and checked in all files and after that changed the status of list columns to required (as it was originally set).

Lesson:

If you are copying bulk data in document library, then you have to provide the metadata for mandaoty fields. But if you want to show documents to business users so they can update the metadata fields then you need to disable the required fields and enable it again after copying all data.

Adnan, a distinguished professional, boasts an impressive track record as a Microsoft MVP, having achieved this prestigious recognition for the eighth consecutive year since 2015. With an extensive career spanning over 18 years, Adnan has honed his expertise in various domains, notably excelling in SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, the .Net Platform, and Microsoft BI. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of Senior Microsoft Consultant at Olive + Goose. Notably, Adnan served as the MCT Regional Lead for the Pakistan Chapter from 2012 to 2017, showcasing his leadership and commitment to fostering growth within the tech community. His journey in the realm of SharePoint spans 14 years, during which he has undertaken diverse projects involving both intranet and internet solutions for both private and government sectors. His impact has transcended geographical boundaries, leaving a mark on projects in the United States and the Gulf region, often collaborating with Fortune 500 companies. Beyond his roles, Adnan is a dedicated educator, sharing his insights and knowledge as a trainer. He also passionately advocates for technology, frequently engaging with the community through speaking engagements in various forums. His multifaceted contributions exemplify his dedication to the tech field and his role in driving its evolution.

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