Fix the OneNote Error When Exporting a Single-File Package
Question details
The user needs to resolve an export failure in OneNote where attempting to save a notebook as a single-file package results in a specific file creation error.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Exporting a complete OneNote notebook as a single-file package (.onepkg) for backup or offline sharing.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote fails to export the notebook and displays a 'We cannot create |0' error message, improperly substituting the file name with restricted characters despite sufficient storage and permissions.
Ensure you are logged into Windows with an administrator account and that you have sufficient disk space on your local drive to accommodate the size of the entire exported notebook.
Verify File Names and Use a Short Export Path
Invalid characters in the notebook name or excessively long directory paths can trigger export errors in Windows.
Windows OS strictly prohibits the use of certain symbols in file names, including the vertical bar or pipe symbol (|). Ensure your notebook's name uses standard alphanumeric characters before attempting the export again.
Open OneNote, right-click the notebook name in the sidebar, and select 'Properties' to ensure the Display Name contains no illegal symbols (like < > : " / \ | ? *).
Click on 'File' in the top ribbon, select 'Export', then choose 'Notebook' under 'Export Current'.
Select 'OneNote Package (*.onepkg)' as the file format and click the 'Export' button.
In the Save As dialog, select a simple local folder with a short path, such as 'C:\Exports' or your Desktop, rather than a deeply nested subfolder.
Create a New Windows User Profile
A corrupted Windows user profile can interfere with Office application permissions. Testing in a new profile isolates this system-level issue.
Repair or Reinstall Microsoft OneNote
If the export module within the application is broken, running the Office repair tool or cleanly reinstalling OneNote will restore core functionality.
Try WPS Office for Your Document Needs
While OneNote is tailored for digital notebooks, WPS Office offers a comprehensive, lightweight suite for your essential documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Enjoy excellent performance and full compatibility without subscription fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneNote say 'We cannot create |0' during export?
This error typically occurs when the application tries to save the export file using characters that Windows natively prohibits in file paths, specifically the vertical bar or pipe symbol (|).
Can I export a OneNote notebook as a package on a Mac?
No, the feature to export an entire notebook as a single-file package (.onepkg) is exclusively available in the desktop version of OneNote for Windows. Mac users must export individual pages as PDFs.
Where is the best place to save an exported OneNote package?
It is strongly recommended to save the exported package to a local drive with a short file path, such as your Desktop or Documents folder, to avoid network permission issues and maximum file path length limits.
Will resetting OneNote delete all of my notebooks?
Resetting the OneNote app clears local offline caches and unsynced data but does not delete notebooks stored securely in your OneDrive. Always ensure your notebooks are fully synced to the cloud before executing a reset.
