1

Is there a way to disable SharePoint from applying metadata from a copied file?

sharepoint example

In the attached image you can see that copy_00.xlsx is set to version 1.0 but TextField and DateField are populated from the values of original_00.xlsx.

The fields do not have default values.
This is happening in the classic and modern SPO experience.

Create an XLSX file
Upload to a library and apply metadata values
Download and rename the file
Upload the file to the library

Improve this question

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
2

This is OOTB property promotion / demotion at work. You can try to disable it using PowerShell. One possible workaround is to open the file after downloading, remove the metadata, save the file and then upload the modified file. Paul | SLIM Applications

Improve this answer
6
  • thank you! I have NO idea why anyone would want this enabled OOTB and it's causing a massive issue for me. Again, thank you!
    – Taco_Buffet
    Jun 12, 2020 at 13:40
  • 1
    Agree, It causes lots of problems when folks start copying/moving documents. I have seen this at several customers. One ends up with a mix of documents with incorrect security classification, project numbers etc..Offering functionality to enable/disable the property promotion or demotion per site or library would be ideal. An alternative it would be useful if the move/copy operation or download can offer an extra option to strip metadata present in the files.
    – Paul
    Jun 12, 2020 at 14:00
  • I've opened a ticket with Microsoft to see if they can flip the switch from their side. The $web.ParserEnabled property is not available to people using SPO. Fun times
    – Taco_Buffet
    Jun 12, 2020 at 18:55
  • Opening a ticket with Microsoft was a waste of time. Really starting to miss on-prem SP, a lot!
    – Taco_Buffet
    Jun 17, 2020 at 17:13
  • did you spend any time looking into creating a remote event receiver to help with this issue?
    – Taco_Buffet
    Aug 18, 2020 at 22:39
0

It is not supported to disable Document Property Promotion using PowerShell in SharePoint Online since the ParserEnabled property is not settable in Microsoft 365 tenants.

You can remove the file properties in Office client via Excel > File > Info > Show All Properties and then find the custom properties in the Properties list.

enter image description here

Reference: Support the Web.ParserEnabled property in CSOM.

Improve this answer
0

Setting ParserDisable to $true is available at the library level in SharePoint Online.

Basic PowerShell:

$List.ParserDisabled = $true
$List.Update()
$ctx.ExecuteQuery()

Longer example here:
https://www.sharepointed.com/2021/03/sharepoint-online-and-copied-metadata/

@Paul

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.