OneDrive -storage is full, can't delete old file versions because some retenetion policy prevents it

Attila Dob 95 Reputation points
2024-05-15T17:38:11.8566667+00:00

Hello,
Can't delete old file versions because a retention policy prevents. How to get rid of this retention policy.

I ran the diagnostics to find old retenention policies here
https://aka.ms/PillarInvalidRetention

The diagnostics listed 1 policy causing the issue which is also listed here
User's image

but I need help how to delete this policy.
All help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Attila D.

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Accepted answer
  1. Emily Du-MSFT 42,821 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-05-20T10:26:35.53+00:00

    1.What is the license for your account? Make sure the account has E5 license.

    Similar issue: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1349191/missing-create-new-retention-policy-option?page=1#answers

    2.Click three dots to check whether has delete option.

    1

    3.Try to delete through PowerShell.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/exchange/connect-to-scc-powershell?view=exchange-ps

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/exchange/remove-retentioncompliancepolicy?view=exchange-ps


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  1. Emily Du-MSFT 42,821 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-05-16T06:53:09.4633333+00:00

    According to the screenshot you provide, it seems that you do not have enough permission to delete a retention policy.

    Here are two methods to solve this issue:

    1.Contact with the global administrator then let him to delete the retention policy.

    2.Contact with the global administrator then let him go to the Microsoft 365 admin center -> Users -> Active users -> Select your account -> Manage roles -> Grant you Compliance administrator and Security administrator -> Then you have permission to delete a retention policy.

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  2. Attila Dob 95 Reputation points
    2024-05-16T14:27:04.5966667+00:00

    Dear Emily

    In theory you should be right. However even at the moment I am the Global Administrator. So certainly there must be some restriction somewhere that prevents me to delete the retention policy. Any idea what it could be? (sorry screenshoot is in Hun, but means Roles /global admin/handling of roles)

    image.png

    image.png

    1 person found this answer helpful.

  3. Attila Dob 95 Reputation points
    2024-05-22T08:21:47.8566667+00:00

    Dear Emily

    you were right.

    I upgraded to A5, and immediately I could delete the policy!

    image.png

    image.png

    However, I still can not delete old file versions, I get error message. Versions of this item cannot be deleted because it is on hold or retention policy applies

    And really, in policy lookup section it is still there, and here it is not possible to edit/delete.

    Image

    Any idea what to do further?

    Also, do you think it is possible to manually empty the preservation hold library? Even by clicking on it, I only get an error message, saying someting went wrong.

    Appreciate your answer!

    Regards, Attila

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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