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Fix the Project Online Site Notebook Item Does Not Exist Error in SharePoint
Question details
Users need to resolve an issue where accessing the Notebook button in a Project Online site returns an error stating the item does not exist or has been deleted.
- Product
- Project Online / SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user attempts to open the linked site notebook for a Project Online site in SharePoint to review or add project notes.
- Observed behavior
- The system throws an error saying the item does not exist or may have been deleted. Deactivating and reactivating the Site Notebook feature fails to resolve the issue.
Ensure you have the necessary edit or owner permissions for the SharePoint site to access the site contents and recycle bin settings.
Restore the Notebook from the SharePoint Recycle Bin
In most cases, the notebook file was accidentally deleted and can be easily recovered directly from the site's recycle bin.
SharePoint retains deleted items in the site recycle bin for a specific period (usually 93 days). Restoring the deleted notebook from here will immediately re-establish the connection for the Notebook button without requiring further configuration.
Open your browser and log in to the specific SharePoint Project Online site where the notebook error is occurring.
Click on 'Recycle bin' in the left-hand navigation pane. If it is not visible, click the 'Gear' icon (Settings) in the top right, select 'Site contents', and then click 'Recycle bin'.
Scroll through the list of deleted items or use the search box to find the missing project notebook.
Check the box next to the deleted notebook, then click the 'Restore' button in the command bar. Try clicking the Site Notebook button again to verify the issue is resolved.
Escalate to Microsoft Online Support
If the notebook is missing from both the first and second-stage recycle bins, the environment configuration requires backend investigation.
Try WPS Office for Fast and Reliable Document Management
If SharePoint and Project Online backend errors disrupt your workflow, consider using WPS Office for your local document and project management needs. WPS Office is a lightweight, fully-featured suite that lets you create, edit, and collaborate on project documents without relying on complex online configurations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free, lightweight installer.
- 2. Open Your Project Files: Launch WPS Office and easily open any existing Microsoft Office project documents or spreadsheets.
- 3. Manage Notes Locally: Create rich project note documents locally or save them to your preferred cloud storage without worrying about SharePoint backend issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't deactivating and reactivating the Site Notebook feature fix the error?
Toggling the Site Notebook feature only resets the configuration link on the SharePoint site. If the actual notebook file was permanently deleted from the document library, resetting the feature cannot recreate the lost data or the file itself.
Where else can I look if the notebook isn't in the standard recycle bin?
If the file is not in the site's primary (first-stage) recycle bin, a Site Collection Administrator can check the second-stage recycle bin. If the file was recently cleared from the first-stage bin, it may still be recoverable from the second-stage bin.
Can I back up my project notes to prevent this error?
Yes. It is highly recommended to periodically export or sync your project notebooks to your local device. Using locally installed software like WPS Office allows you to keep an offline backup of your critical project notes and data.
