Microsoft 365 backup warns "Office 365/Public Folders" does not exist"

October 30, 2025

Product Version

AhsayCBS, AhsayOBM, AhsayACB: 9.1 and above

Operating System

Windows

Symptom

When running a Microsoft 365 backup, the following warning is displayed: 

warn yyyy/mm/dd hh:mm:ss Backup source "Office 365/Public Folders" does not exist or current user does not have permission to access the path !

Cause

The Public Folders selected on the backup source does not exist, or that the user does not have permission to access the folder.

Resolution

To resolve the issue, if the source contains no Public Folders, untick the "Public Folders" option in the backup source settings.

M365 Backup Source

Otherwise, make sure that the authorized Microsoft 365 account has sufficient permissions to access the Public Folders. Add the following permission in the Discovery Management section of your Microsoft 365 admin account:

  • Legal Hold
  • Mailbox Import Export
  • Mailbox Search
  • Public Folders

For detailed information, check the Microsoft 365 Permission Requirement.

Troubleshooting