We have a Sitecore 8.1 Update 2 (aka Sitecore XP 8.1.2) project on the table. Normally, there should be no problem by uploading and then downloading any files via Sitecore User Interface. However, on a very beautiful day, we find out that there is something wrong with docx file: we can upload it successfully and then be able to download it, but cannot open it.

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At the time being, we think that the original one is corrupted. However, we can open it and then edit it by MS Word as usual.

Okay, we’re fine. Let’s verify it on a fresh Sitecore 8.1.2 instance to ensure that there is no either custom Sitecore pipeline / processor or custom code logic make it broken. BINGO! We can see the same problem on the fresh instance.

Very likely it’s a Sitecore bug so we keep playing around with the following fresh Sitecore instances:

• 8.2.5
• 8.2.7
• 9.0.2

Working like a charm! Our conclusion: it’s a Sitecore bug so we create a support ticket in Sitecore Support Portal to report the bug and request a Sitecore patch if any. The support ticket ID is 520805 and we should wait for the feedback.

In the meantime, one member of the team suspects that Sitecore injects something into the download files so it makes their format broken. His approach is to create a plain text file such as txt, csv so that he has a good chance to monitor the injection if any. It’s sooooooo true:

After downloading that plain text file, he can open it and then see the unexpected content:

Per his search, it’s a known issue and this one is helpful for us to solve the problem. By installing Sitecore.Support.90534 patch, the problem is solved and the Sitecore Support team advises us to do that as well.

• Sitecore Support GitHub: Sitecore.Support.90534
  • Note: here is the backup

The suggestion

According to the releases of Sitecore.Support.90534, it’s a known issue of various Sitecore versions, you all may want to have a quick check with your current Sitecore projects 😀

• Sitecore CMS 7.2 rev. 140314 (Update-1)
• Sitecore CMS 7.2 rev. 140526 (Update-2)
• Sitecore CMS 7.2 rev. 141226 (Update-3)
• Sitecore CMS 7.2 rev. 150408 (Update-4)
• Sitecore CMS 7.2 rev. 160123 (Update-6)
• Sitecore XP 8.1 rev. 151003 (Initial Release)
• Sitecore XP 8.1 rev. 151207 (Update-1)
• Sitecore XP 8.1 rev. 160302 (Update-2)
• Sitecore XP 8.1 rev. 160519 (Update-3)
• Sitecore XP 8.2 rev. 161115 (Update-0)
• Sitecore XP 8.2 rev. 161115 (Update-1)
• Sitecore XP 8.2 rev. 161221 (Update-2)

Happy Sitecore Support!