SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Check Permissions Errors and HTML Messages

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve errors encountered when checking user permissions, as well as unexpected HTML pages and validation messages after modifying site permissions.

How to Fix SharePoint Check Permissions Errors and HTML Messages

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: An administrator is managing external guest access and modifying site permissions in a SharePoint environment.
Observed behavior: The "Check Permissions" function fails to return correct results for certain users, and unexpected HTML pages or validation messages appear during site management.

Before you start

Verify that you have Site Administrator privileges in SharePoint, as you will need full control to review user directories and modify site permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Fix Check Permissions by Verifying Entra ID Guest Status

Ensure the external user is properly added as a guest in Azure AD (Microsoft Entra ID) and refresh their site access.

The "Check Permissions" feature in SharePoint will often fail for external users if they have not been officially added as a guest in your Azure AD (Microsoft Entra ID) environment. Even if they have access to a specific folder, their permissions cannot be checked using the built-in tool unless they are recognized guests.

Verify Guest Status

Check your Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) portal to confirm that the external user has been formally invited and added as a guest user.

Access the Hidden People Page

Append /_layouts/15/people.aspx?MembershipGroupId=0 to your SharePoint site URL to access the master list of all users with access.

Remove Existing Access

Locate the problematic user in the list, select their profile, and completely remove their access from the SharePoint site.

Regrant Permissions

Re-invite the user and grant them the necessary permission levels. Once they accept the invitation as an Entra ID guest, the Check Permissions tool should function normally.

Guest Access Required: By ensuring the user is a registered guest in Azure AD, SharePoint will correctly process and display their permission levels across all folders and sites.

Solution 2

Resolve Unexpected HTML and Validation Messages

Use private browsing modes to bypass cached errors and inspect column JSON formatting for syntax issues.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Simpler Document Solution? Try WPS Office

While dealing with complex SharePoint and Microsoft 365 server permissions can be frustrating, managing your daily documents doesn't have to be. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for creating and editing documents without the hassle of complicated server administration.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsLightweight application that runs smoothly and quickly on any deviceBuilt-in cloud collaboration features without complex permission setupsFree to download and use with an intuitive, familiar user interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does "Check Permissions" fail for some external users in SharePoint?

The Check Permissions tool typically fails if the external user hasn't been added as a guest in Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD). It cannot verify external users who only have link-based access without a guest account in the directory.

What does the "Limited Access" permission level mean?

Limited access is an automatic permission level assigned by SharePoint. It means a user or group has been given explicit access to a specific item or document library within the site, but they do not have access to the entire site itself.

How do I access the master list of all users in my SharePoint site?

You can view the detailed people and groups list by appending /_layouts/15/people.aspx?MembershipGroupId=0 directly to the end of your SharePoint site URL.

Why am I getting validation messages on my SharePoint list columns?

This usually happens if custom JSON formatting applied to a column contains syntax errors, or if the column has a validation formula that the entered data violates. Try clearing the JSON formatting or reviewing the formula.

Document & File Issues