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Problem setting password a section in OneNote

Hi Experts!

In my Windows 10 Pro computer I use OneNote desktop version (Microsoft® OneNote® for Microsoft 365 MSO 2212 Build 16.0.15928.20196 64-bit). All been working fine and at this moment also, really there is no day-to-day problem. Furthermore, I have backed up via OneNote, exported all sections in various version (OneNote & Word) with no problem. And also synced with no problem whatsoever.

However, the problem occurred when I wanted to place a password to a section (out of 5 sections that I needed to place password within the same OneNote notebook, only one section had problem). The password problems error that present is the following:

You can't add, change, or remove password protection for this section because it hasn't been completely synced

Open in new window

The section is about 140mb in size (I assumed that would be the size in the apps equal that of the export section) and said section has 95 OneNote pages; all linking with each other within said section and outside its section.

What I have done,

I open Web OneNote
I open Desktop OneNote
I ran manual sync an all Ok
I went thru the tedious task of adding to each 95 pages in the Desktop OneNote with a "*** TEST" line
I again ran manual sync an all Ok, no messages
I compared page by page the web & desktop versions (eye view of course), seems ok.
But, same error, I cannot set password for this specific section, same error message
Finally, I set to make the password on the section online version and is not possible, so bad news there :(

So Experts, what is your advice that I can get to set a password to this this section?

Thanx

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

dfke

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jana

ASKER

Try reducing the size of the section by moving or removing some of the content ... Or try to move the section to a new notebook and then try setting the password again

will try - u think size is a the culprit? How?

Another option is to repair the OneNote installation

do u know technically what repairs does?

jana

ASKER

Reducing section by moving a series of pages, did work (didn't do Quick Repair or Online Repair due to the innumerous reference links within it and also had bad experiences before). The crazy thing the section in question is 140mb and based on Microsoft, the max unlimited based on your subscription "Each notebook can have as many sections as you want, and any section can have as many pages as you want. Similarly, your pages will never run out of “paper” — you can keep adding more space to any page whenever you need it." - (this this link is MAC, should also apply to Windows).

I guess, will close question.