Fix: PnP DocumentEmbed Web Part Wrong Parameter

by Alex Johnson 48 views

If you're encountering issues with the PnP provisioning engine and the DocumentEmbed web part, you're not alone. Many users have reported that the DocumentEmbed web part uses an incorrect parameter, leading to errors when creating sites from templates. This article will delve into the problem, explain the root cause, and provide a step-by-step solution to resolve it.

Understanding the Issue

The core problem lies in how the PnP provisioning engine handles the DocumentEmbed web part. When a template is created from an existing site (an aspx-site) that includes a "DocumentEmbed" web part, the generated XML file contains a parameter that incorrectly points to the document. Specifically, it uses the file path instead of the document ID. This discrepancy becomes apparent when you attempt to apply this template to a target site collection. The process fails, preventing the creation of new sites based on the XML definition from the template catalog.

To illustrate the issue, consider a scenario where you have a modern SharePoint page with a Document Embed web part displaying a Word document. When you save this page as a template using PnP provisioning, the generated XML will store the path to the Word document. However, when this template is applied to a new site, the web part attempts to locate the document using the stored path, which might not exist in the new site collection. This mismatch results in an error, as the web part cannot find the document using the incorrect path parameter.

The significance of document IDs cannot be overstated in SharePoint. Document IDs provide a unique and persistent identifier for each document within a site collection. Unlike file paths, which can change if a document is moved or renamed, the document ID remains constant. This makes it a reliable way to reference documents, especially in scenarios involving templates and provisioning. Using document IDs ensures that web parts can consistently locate the correct documents, even if the underlying file paths change.

Diagnosing the Problem

When you encounter this issue, the first visible symptom is an error message during site creation from the template. Clicking the "use this template" button will result in a failed site creation process. Digging deeper, you'll notice that the web part configuration within the exported XML template contains a file path instead of the document ID. This misconfiguration is the crux of the problem.

Identifying the Root Cause

The root cause stems from how the PnP provisioning engine serializes the DocumentEmbed web part's properties. Instead of capturing the document ID, it mistakenly captures the file path. This can be confirmed by examining the generated XML file. Open the XML and inspect the properties of the DocumentEmbed web part. You'll find that the reference to the document is specified using a path, such as /sites/yoursite/Shared Documents/yourdocument.docx, rather than a document ID, which would look something like {12345678-1234-1234-1234-1234567890ab}.

Further investigation reveals that the working calls, those made by opening a normal page with the web part from the site pages library, utilize the document ID. In contrast, the calls made from the template catalog rely on the file path. This discrepancy highlights the inconsistency in how document references are handled within the PnP provisioning engine.

Step-by-Step Solution

Fortunately, there is a workaround to address this issue. The solution involves manually modifying the XML file generated by the PnP provisioning engine. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

  1. Export the Site Template: Begin by exporting the site template using the PnP provisioning engine. This will generate an XML file containing the site's structure and content, including the misconfigured DocumentEmbed web part.
  2. Locate the Web Part Configuration: Open the exported XML file in a text editor (like Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, or any XML editor). Search for the section that defines the DocumentEmbed web part. You can usually identify it by looking for tags like <wp:WebPartData> and <wp:Title>DocumentEmbed</wp:Title>.
  3. Identify the Incorrect Parameter: Within the web part configuration, find the parameter that specifies the document path. It will likely be within a <property> tag and contain a path similar to /sites/yoursite/Shared Documents/yourdocument.docx. This is the incorrect parameter that needs to be replaced.
  4. Determine the Document ID: To obtain the correct document ID, navigate to the document library in your source site. Locate the document that the web part is embedding. In SharePoint Online, you can find the document ID by viewing the document properties. The document ID is a GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) and looks like {12345678-1234-1234-1234-1234567890ab}.
  5. Replace the Path with the Document ID: In the XML file, replace the incorrect file path with the correct document ID. Ensure that the document ID is enclosed in the appropriate XML tags, typically within a <property> tag.
  6. Save the Modified XML File: Save the changes to the XML file.
  7. Upload the Modified XML File: Upload the modified XML file to the target site collection's template gallery or wherever you store your PnP templates.
  8. Apply the Template: Now, attempt to create a new site from the template using the PnP provisioning engine. The site creation process should now complete successfully, and the DocumentEmbed web part should function correctly.

By following these steps, you can manually correct the misconfiguration and ensure that the DocumentEmbed web part works as expected when provisioning new sites from templates.

Why This Solution Works

This solution works because it aligns the document reference mechanism used in the template with the one used by the working web part instances. By using the document ID instead of the file path, the web part can reliably locate the document regardless of changes to the site structure or file locations. The document ID acts as a stable and persistent identifier, ensuring that the web part always points to the correct document.

Furthermore, this manual fix highlights a critical aspect of PnP provisioning: the flexibility to customize and correct templates. While the PnP provisioning engine automates many aspects of site creation, it also provides the means to intervene and make manual adjustments when necessary. This flexibility is invaluable for addressing issues like the DocumentEmbed web part misconfiguration.

Preventing Future Issues

While the manual fix resolves the immediate problem, it's essential to consider how to prevent similar issues in the future. Here are a few strategies:

  • Stay Updated with PnP PowerShell: Ensure you are using the latest version of PnP PowerShell. The PnP team regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and improvements. Keeping your version up-to-date can help prevent known issues from affecting your provisioning processes.
  • Monitor PnP Issues and Discussions: Keep an eye on the PnP PowerShell GitHub repository, particularly the issues and discussions sections. This is where users report problems and the PnP team provides solutions and workarounds. By staying informed, you can proactively address potential issues before they impact your projects.
  • Implement Validation Checks: Consider implementing validation checks in your provisioning scripts or processes. These checks can analyze the generated XML templates for common misconfigurations, such as incorrect document references. By identifying these issues early, you can prevent errors during site creation.
  • Provide Feedback to the PnP Team: If you encounter issues or have suggestions for improvement, don't hesitate to provide feedback to the PnP team. Your input helps them improve the PnP provisioning engine and address user needs.

Conclusion

The issue with the DocumentEmbed web part in PnP provisioning, where it uses an incorrect parameter (file path instead of document ID), can be frustrating. However, with the manual fix described in this article, you can overcome this obstacle and ensure successful site creation from templates. By understanding the root cause, implementing the solution, and taking preventive measures, you can streamline your PnP provisioning processes and avoid future issues.

Remember, the PnP community is a valuable resource for troubleshooting and best practices. Engage with the community, share your experiences, and contribute to the collective knowledge.

For further information and updates on PnP provisioning, consider visiting the official PnP PowerShell GitHub repository.