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Fix OneNote Sync Errors 0xE4020108 and 0xE00009C8 (Empty Notebooks)
Question details
Users are experiencing severe synchronization issues where notebooks fail to load and display error codes 0xE4020108 and 0xE00009C8.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows, mobile, and iPad
- Scenario
- Attempting to sync or access existing OneNote notebooks across multiple devices.
- Observed behavior
- Notebook names are visible, but the content appears empty or remains stuck on a loading screen accompanied by sync errors 0xE4020108 and 0xE00009C8.
Do not sign out, uninstall the application, or make new edits to the affected notebooks, as this may overwrite data and cause permanent loss of un-synced notes.
Contact Microsoft Support with Diagnostic Details
Because these specific errors indicate backend service or account-level synchronization failures, contacting Microsoft Support directly is the safest method to recover your notes.
These sync errors are often tied to server-side issues rather than local application glitches. Attempting standard local fixes might jeopardize your data.
Write down the exact error codes appearing on your screen, specifically 0xE4020108 and 0xE00009C8, as well as the exact time the issue started.
Log into OneNote Online, right-click the affected notebook, and select 'Copy link to notebook' to provide the exact location to the support team.
Visit the official Microsoft Support website, navigate to the OneNote section, and open a ticket providing your account type (Personal or Work/School), the error codes, and the notebook URLs.
Verify Notebook Content via OneNote Online
Check the web version of OneNote to determine if your notes are safely stored on the server despite the local application errors.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Document Management
If you are frustrated by synchronization errors and lost notes, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations are safely managed and easily accessible across all your devices.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Enable Cloud Sync: Sign in with a free WPS account to automatically back up and sync your documents seamlessly across your PC and mobile devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OneNote error 0xE4020108 mean?
Error 0xE4020108 typically indicates a synchronization failure between the local OneNote client and Microsoft's servers, often resulting in notebooks appearing empty or failing to download section contents.
Can I recover my notes if they appear empty during a sync error?
If the notes were successfully synced to the cloud before the error occurred, they might still exist on the server. Always check OneNote Online first. If they are missing there, you must contact Microsoft Support to investigate the server-side data.
Should I sign out of OneNote to fix error 0xE00009C8?
No. Signing out of the application or reinstalling it while a sync error is active can delete local cache files, which may result in permanent data loss for any un-synced notes. Always contact support before taking these actions.
