OneDrive app adds 52 characters to our file path length, client upset they can't open files.

I manage a small org of about 12 people. They're a great client. Recently, we were using a bespoke cloud storage service called Sync. It's simple, but had limitations. I wanted to recommend a replacement sooner or later. At one point, Sync sent an email stating that previous versions of Sync would no longer work, and that we needed to upgrade. Of course. I like updates.

The software update for Sync started causing a myriad of duplicate files. It was a disaster. Sync.com's handling of this situation was equally terrible. They were silent for the first few weeks, and I was only finding support through other SysAdmins. Sync finally recommended that we downgrade to an older version of Sync, which worked, but my confidence was greatly shaken.

The org was already paying for Microsoft 365, so I said "hey, let's switch to SharePoint/OneDrive." It's a very logical move. There were the usual headaches that come along with a transition, but finally the (weekend) night came. I pulled the trigger and transferred all of the files. I noticed a few folders did not transfer because of a file path length issue. I took note of each folder, and kept it moving.

Now, I know what every SysAdmin here will say: vertical file hierarchies are bad. Yes, I have been warning this client for years. And really, it was fine until after the transfer.

Sync's file path:

C:\Users\Admin\Sync\

OneDrive's file path

C:\Users\Admin\OneDrive – Client Nameeeee\Documents - Client Nameeeee\

OneDrive adds 50 characters to the file path, and so instantly many file paths in the structure have become too long.

Look, I understand file path limits, but what I don't understand is OneDrive's insistence on being super longwinded and wordy.

Anyway, I'd love to hear all your hot takes, and if you have suggestions. I know about the registry hack, but it sounds just like that, a hack. I'm meeting with then in a bit to see if I can shorten file paths.

I'm still annoyed that OneDrive injects "DOCUMENTS" into the file path. Yes, I know that inside File Explorer is documents. I was aware decades ago. You don't need to remind me.