OneDrive Error Codes

How to Fix OneDrive Error 0x80071129 When Using Files On-Demand

Amos GikundaAmos Gikunda Nov 3, 2026 871 views

Question details

Users are unable to download or keep cloud files locally on their devices due to a sync failure in OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature.

How to Fix OneDrive Error 0x80071129 When Using Files On-Demand
Product
Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Right-clicking a cloud-only file and selecting 'Always keep on this device' using the OneDrive Files On-Demand feature.
Observed behavior
OneDrive fails to download the file and displays error code 0x80071129, along with the message 'the tag in the reparse point buffer is invalid'.
Before you start

Ensure you are logged in with an administrator account on your Windows PC and save all open work, as repairing file system errors will require a system restart.

Solution 1Recommended

Run CHKDSK Utility to Repair File System Errors

Running the Windows Check Disk (CHKDSK) command fixes the invalid reparse point buffer tag by scanning for and repairing corrupted file system metadata.

The 0x80071129 error generally points to corruption in the NTFS file system's reparse points. OneDrive heavily relies on these reparse points to function properly with the Files On-Demand feature. Running an offline scan can repair the metadata mismatch causing the synchronization block.

1
Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Click the Windows Start menu, type 'cmd' into the search bar, right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.

2
Execute the CHKDSK Command

In the Command Prompt window, type 'chkdsk /r /f C:' (replace 'C:' with your actual drive letter if OneDrive is installed elsewhere) and press Enter.

3
Schedule the Scan and Restart

Since the drive is in use, you will be prompted to schedule the scan for the next restart. Type 'Y' and press Enter, then manually restart your computer.

4
Allow the Scan to Complete

Wait for Windows to scan and repair the drive during the boot process. Note that this exhaustive offline scan can take 30 minutes or longer depending on your drive's size and speed.

Run CHKDSK Utility to Repair File System Errors
Recurring Issues: If the 0x80071129 error occurs repeatedly on the same device even after running CHKDSK weekly, it may indicate a deeper hardware issue or an ongoing OS conflict. For persistent cases, contact Microsoft Support.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'the tag in the reparse point buffer is invalid' mean?

This error signifies that the file system metadata (the reparse point) that OneDrive uses to link a cloud-only file to your local computer has become corrupted. Because the operating system cannot read this tag correctly, OneDrive is blocked from downloading or opening the file.

Why does the CHKDSK scan take 30 minutes or more to complete?

The 'chkdsk /r /f' command performs an exhaustive, sector-by-sector offline scan of your entire hard drive to locate bad sectors, fix system metadata, and recover readable information. Because it checks the physical disk health in-depth, it takes significantly longer than standard quick scans.

Will resetting OneDrive delete my local files or folders?

No, resetting the OneDrive client does not delete any of your files or folders. It only restarts the synchronization client and rebuilds its internal sync metadata cache. However, it will require OneDrive to re-verify all your files, which may temporarily display a 'syncing' status.

Can I disable Files On-Demand to prevent error 0x80071129 entirely?

Yes. If you have sufficient local hard drive space, you can turn off Files On-Demand in the OneDrive application settings. This forces all cloud files to download and stay permanently on your PC, bypassing the dynamic reparse point mechanism that triggers this specific error.