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Dropbox constantly creating desktop.ini files - how do disable this?
As per the title; the latest dropbox is now generating desktop.ini files pretty much as soon as they're deleted (they were recreated only on dropbox starts earlier, so a delete upon startup was all I...
TC does not create any garbage files - it's the native Windows Explorer that does it, when you open a folder and either pre-configured to save the view or do so manually.
However; today morning as I turned the computer on, the issue is gone. So at least for now, this is solved, thanks for the help, mate!
p.s. Dropbox still creates these files, but now my regular delete batch file keeps them at bay; they don't come back instantly.
Lusil
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffIn this case, you can also give an advanced reinstall a try - maybe that will do the trick.
Note that, if you're on a Basic (free) account, there's a three device limit and you'll have to make sure that you've got less than three devices connected to proceed.
LusilI've the paid version, and reinstalled a number of times, even on new computers, you name it.
You guys don't seem to know what your product is doing, which is scary to say the least.
I've even contacted your "support" (it must be quoted; they are a useless bunch, clueless like yourself), they insisted this does not happen, but did not use any decent file manager tool. The built-in windows "explorer" happily hides these files.
Same issue here. Free version of Dropbox. Only installed it because a client with whom I'm working uses it. Wonder if they're having the same issue...
VERY ANNOYING!- Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi there nckersh; thanks for joining the discussion here.
Do you happen to have enabled the hidden files to show on your computer?
Has there been any solution for the desktop.ini files?? I have recently started running into this maddening issue, as have the other members on my team. I used to be able to delete the desktop.ini files, but now they re-appear almost immediately. Windows 10, paid (business standard) verison of Dropbox.
I have noticed that the desktop.ini files appear in the folders with what appears to be a building or blocks icons, and not in the folders without the icons. The folders highlighted in the screenshot are the folders with desktop.ini files. What does this icon on the folders mean?
- WalterHey TCN-Publishing; thanks for joining the discussion here.
Can you please clarify if you've enabled the hidden files to be shown on your computer?
Also, I don't see any syncing icons or the app's status in your screenshot. Could you take a look take a look at your system tray and let me know if it's syncing or showing 'Up to date'?
While we're at it, have you ensured you're using the most up to date version of your device's OS? My system and dropbox app are both up to date.
My system is set to show hidden files and folders.
The system tray shows that dropbox sync is complete and up to date.
- DaphneThe building icon on those folders means that this is a team folder within your Dropbox account TCN-Publishing, so that you can identify the shared team files from private ones.
Have you perhaps changed the arrangement or layout within these folders? The OS will create these desktop.ini files to store the info regarding any changes in the layout or settings of folders.
In this case, it seems the system is generating these files, as the Dropbox app ignores small system files like desktop.ini.
Since they're hidden files, you shouldn't see these if you disable the option to "Show hidden files" on your computer. After many years as a happy Dropbox customer I will not be renewing my subscription this year.
The product has been in decline for years and this is the last straw.
I came here hoping for a fix to a simple and idiotic bug and this thread killed off my last hope.
The questions being asked show just how little clue they now have about their own product, let alone it's users.
I just had this show up after doing a complete reinstall of Windows and applications. It really doesn't bother me in most folders, but it bugged me to see this file on my desktop. I like to keep the desktop tidy. I do not save files or programs to the desktop, only shortcuts.
I found the root cause to be that this appears in any folder that is being backed up to Dropbox. So if I right-click the folder and select "Manage Backup", I could simply deselect the desktop folder. This means my shortcuts are not automatically backed up, but that is not a major concern. If I wish, I can manually copy the contents to a subfolder of documents or elsewhere to save on Dropbox.
As far as other folders, the visibility of these .ini files are controlled by opening the folder in explorer, click "View" and selecting or deselecting "Hidden Items".
So for me, the problem is solved. I'm surprised that Dropbox support could not respond to the issue.
Here is what the Dropbox selections look like:
