Description
The SharePoint or Office 365 File Migration Tool is an essential resource for simplifying the complex task of analyzing and migrating files from local or networked drives to SharePoint (including Office 365 SharePoint Online). There are a few steps involved, none of them too difficult, and these are captured in the detailed instruction video. Intermediate skill with Excel and a basic understanding of the Windows Command window are recommended. Detailed instructions on how to use this tool are in this video. For a PowerPoint deck showing the process I use for migration, see SlideShare here.
This tool is a powerful solution for anyone facing the daunting challenge of moving legacy files into a modern digital workplace. It automates much of the difficult and time-consuming work, providing a streamlined and reliable process. Without a proper tool, file migration can be a headache, fraught with errors, and can lead to data loss or corruption. This SharePoint or Office 365 File Migration Tool is designed to prevent these problems before they happen, giving you peace of mind and a smooth transition.
This tool:
- Allows you to capture a complete list of all files that may be migrated to SharePoint.
- Gives you tools to analyze that list – you can quickly pinpoint file or directory names that contain invalid characters (like &, #, or %), file or path names that are too-long, or files that are too large to copy to SharePoint.
- Converts invalid characters to whatever you want.
- Allows you to filter or sort the list of files by name, size, date, or problem area.
- Allows you to remove spaces in file names.
- Allows you to convert names to CamelCase.
- Gives you the full power of Excel for sorting, filtering, analyzing, and reporting.
- Produces a batch file of COPY (or RENAME, etc.) commands to copy to SharePoint (or anywhere) while fixing invalid names, removing spaces, or shortening long names.
- Keeps a record of the files copied for future reference.
Why Use This SharePoint or Office 365 File Migration Tool?
The complexities of file migration are often hidden until the process is underway. Common issues like path length limitations, unsupported characters, and large file sizes can halt a migration and require manual, time-intensive fixes. This SharePoint or Office 365 File Migration Tool proactively identifies these problems before you even start the migration. By running an analysis, you get a clear, actionable report on what needs to be fixed. This preventative approach saves a tremendous amount of time and effort, ensuring your project stays on schedule and within budget. For more on the technical limitations and best practices for moving files to SharePoint, you can review Microsoft’s official documentation on SharePoint file and folder name restrictions.
Key Features That Make This SharePoint or Office 365 File Migration Tool a Must-Have
The power of this tool lies in its flexibility and reliance on a familiar platform: Excel. By leveraging Excel’s robust sorting, filtering, and reporting capabilities, you gain unprecedented control over your file migration. You can easily prioritize which files to migrate first, identify problem areas by filtering for specific characters, and generate custom reports for stakeholders. The ability to automatically convert invalid characters or shorten long file names is a feature that drastically reduces the manual work required in any migration.
The final output—a simple batch file—makes the actual migration process straightforward and reliable. Instead of manually dragging and dropping files and hoping for the best, you can execute a single command that runs the entire migration with all the necessary name corrections already applied. This ensures consistency and accuracy across thousands of files. The tool’s ability to keep a record of all copied files is an invaluable feature for auditing and future reference, providing a complete and transparent migration history.
Microsoft Excel and Windows are required for this tool. This has been developed and tested in Excel 2016, Windows 7, Windows 10, and Office 365 SharePoint Online. Your results may vary. If not fully satisfied, please contact us for help or a 150% refund. This SharePoint or Office 365 File Migration Tool is an indispensable component of any successful intranet launch. For a high-level overview of the entire migration process, you can refer to our Migration Team Kick-off Presentation.
FAQs
What does the SharePoint or Office 365 File Migration Tool do? This tool simplifies the process of migrating files to SharePoint. It helps you analyze your files to find common problems, such as invalid characters or names that are too long. It can automatically fix these issues and then creates a batch file to copy your files to the new SharePoint environment while keeping a record of the process.
What skills do I need to use this tool? To use this tool, you need to be familiar with Microsoft Excel for analyzing and filtering your file list. A basic understanding of the Windows Command window is also recommended, as the tool’s final output is a batch file that you will execute.
How does this tool make file migration easier and more reliable? This tool makes migration easier by proactively identifying common issues like unsupported characters and path length limitations before you start. By automating these fixes, it saves you from manual, time-intensive work. The tool also creates a reliable batch file that ensures consistency and accuracy across thousands of files, preventing errors and data loss.
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