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Folders showing up empty when I send a link to someone
This has only been happening to me within the past week, but it is really hurting my business. I am always sending a folder with either video files or photos. Generally people are opening the link on...
Same thing happened to me. It's extremely annoying.
So far the thing that worked for me was to turn off tracking of viewers for that particular folder. Seems like when the person to whom you're sending the link refuses to be tracked, the folder appears empty. (Dropbox!!! Why should the priority be on tracking instead of actually doing your primary job - sharing the files?!)
So the way to do this: log in Dropbox.com via a browser -- find your folder -- click Share -- click the Settings gear icon -- under the tab "Folder settings" uncheck the option "Viewer info. Show who’s viewing files in this folder to people who can edit." -- click Save
(you might need to generate the sharing link again after this, not sure)
The tracking can also be turned off by default in your account settings -- under General tab find the option "See info about people who view my files" and switch it off.
Perhaps I’m using “patch” incorrectly but in July there was an update to Dropbox via the App Store which seems to be the culprit as this situation has never happened before.
When I, myself, clink on the shared link, it takes me to the folder that’s being sent. Everything is where it’s supposed to be an visible.
On the recipient’s end, I’ve explained what happens 3 times now. Instead of opening the shared folder, they are immediately taken to a sign-in prompt, where they are asked to sign in with Google or Apple ID, or to create a new account. This was NEVER required prior to July’s update! Now, even after setting up their own respective account(s), these recipients get the error “folder is empty” after clicking the linked folder.
Again, on my end - I can see everything. Since this morning, I’ve had 4 people whom I’ve shared links with tell me the same exact story. “folder is empty”.
When I, myself, clink on the shared link, it takes me to the folder that’s being sent. Everything is where it’s supposed to be an visible.
On the recipient’s end, I’ve explained what happens 3 times now. Instead of opening the shared folder, they are immediately taken to a sign-in prompt, where they are asked to sign in with Google or Apple ID, or to create a new account. This was NEVER required prior to July’s update! Now, even after setting up their own respective account(s), these recipients get the error “folder is empty” after clicking the linked folder.
Again, on my end - I can see everything. Since this morning, I’ve had 4 people whom I’ve shared links with tell me the same exact story. “folder is empty”.
Mark
Super User II
Super User III'm only trying to help. I'm a volunteer on here so there is no need to be rude. If you dont want it thats fine - I wont reply.
The update only impacts software on the device, it doesnt change how links work as that is managed on the website.
If they are being asked to sign in the link being sent is either as one which has edit permissions or has restrictions on it. If you go to www.dropbox.com/home and check on the Share button next to the ones you have shared if it says 'Can edit' that is probably the issue. You can also do a share there as a test by just tapping on the 'Share Link' button. Then to test it rather than send it to people use an incognito or private browsing session.
- Mark, I’m sharing the folder via a link (ie in an email or iMessage). I’m not sharing any permissions with said folder to said recipients.
I don’t need anyone to have edit rights to the folder. I’m simply sending a daily folder, via link (ie message or email), for the recipient to track project progress. I have always been able to send a link to any folder of my choosing to anyone of my choosing. And not until recently have I ever had any issues that I’m currently having.- Mark
I cannot help even try and work out what is wrong if you arent prepared to troubleshoot.
I think this is where I bow out.
- I troubleshoot for days before ever going to the forums for this very reason. It’s like calling the help desk, waiting for 4 hours, just to have someone say “did you try resetting your computer?”. Thanks for trying, I guess.
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