When I save file, the file will appear in my DropBox, but when I open it the file is completely blank or only kept an older version of the document. I realized some of these "saved" items are being saved as Zero bytes. I am not sure why this is happening.

If it is still syncing, then it means that it isn’t up to date yet. I’d recommend waiting until all your files have finished syncing before attempting to open those files. If it doesn’t stop syncing, try an advanced reinstall of the app to see if this resolves the issue.

Some of my files show up as zero bytes

91 Replies

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Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
7 years ago
Hi there, are you opening the files on the Dropbox site or on your machine itself?

If you’re using the site, could you try switching browsers to see if this helps? Otherwise, use incognito/private browsing mode without any extensions running, clearing your cache and even resetting your browser entirely.

If the machine, could you check if the Dropbox desktop application is running, and what status it has in the menu bar or system tray?

Let me know how it goes!
saguilar2012
Explorer | Level 3
7 years ago
Hi Jay -

I accessing it from my computer/machine. I am not sure what you mean by "check if the Dropbox desktop application is running, and what status it has in the menu bar or system tray?" I access my DropBox from my favorites and it's also something i can access from my dock. How do I check if it is running and its status?
Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
7 years ago
Is it visible in the menu bar or system tray, as per this article?

When you hover over the icon, you’ll see if the app is syncing or up to date.
saguilar2012
Explorer | Level 3
7 years ago
Ah ok. When I looked at the menu bar, it appears that the Dropbox incon is Syncing. Is there any other reason why it is saving my docs as Zero Bytes, resulting in blank pages when I open the document?
Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
7 years ago
If it is still syncing, then it means that it isn’t up to date yet.

I’d recommend waiting until all your files have finished syncing before attempting to open those files.

If it doesn’t stop syncing, try an advanced reinstall of the app to see if this resolves the issue.
Alinemac
Helpful | Level 5
4 years ago
I have the same problem. I accessed the document directly on Dropbox. It shows many documents I have stored there but it says the document is zero bytes and its empty. I am kind of in despair! Can't lose all that work!!!
Mark
Super User II
4 years ago
My guess Alinemac is that you are on a Mac and the file has either been moved to, copied to, or saved to Dropbox which has then uploaded the temp 'holder' file that Dropbox creates (at 0bytes). Time hasnt then been allowed to upload the full file once the copy/move etc. has finished.

The only way to retrieve the file now is to go back to the original device and let it finish uploading
MikeHorn
Helpful | Level 6
4 years ago
I realize that this thread is a couple years old, but I have just started having this same problem on my Mac. Have been using this same set of folders for almost a year with no problems but now they are all showing (in Finder) as Zero Bytes. If I got to Dropbox in a browser, the files are all there. But when I need to use the files, I have to go to the browser, download a copy, and then use. Not only are there extra steps but we also have potential version issues with the files themselves. (We use Dropbox as "public" storage and sharing of approved product photos).
In a browser, everything is normalIn Mac Finder, the files are showing Zero Bytes
Mark
Super User II
4 years ago
Hi MikeHorn

Have you set up Smart Sync? https://help.dropbox.com/installs-integrations/sync-uploads/smart-sync
MikeHorn
Helpful | Level 6
4 years ago
I thought I had selected that when reinstalling Dropbox. I do not see the SmartSync option in Finder.