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slidedesignr's avatar
slidedesignr
Helpful | Level 6
6 years ago

I can no longer overwrite a file - same exact name - but keep the same link!

This just suddenly started in the last couple of days, after working for years. I'm having an issue where a new link is generated for an updated version of the same file with the same name in the sam...
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Lusil's avatar
Lusil
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
6 years ago

Hey slidedesignr, thanks for reaching out to us and sorry to hear about your frustration. 

 

I tried replicating this from my end, and I'm afraid I'm not getting the same results. 

 

Could you clarify the exact steps you're taking so that I can look into this again? 

 

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

  • slidedesignr's avatar
    slidedesignr
    Helpful | Level 6
    6 years ago

    Sure. 

     

    1. Upload file called 999File.doc (fake name) to the folder My Private Folder 
    2. Copy that same file to the shared folder Client Folder when it's ready for them to view
    3. They make comments directly in Dropbox
    4. Make requested updates to 999File.doc in My Private Folder
    5. When finished, copy and paste to Client Folder (note the filename has not changed) when it's ready for them to view the new resolved updates
    6. TYPICALLY what happens is this overwrites the previous 999File.doc, and the same share URL points to it. Comments and annotations in Dropbox are preserved, thought it will say something like "Older Version"
    7. NOW what happens is...the previous version of 999File.doc is deleted, along with all of the comments and annotations, and a new URL is created for the new version of 999File.doc.

     

    This is a major problem. If it's something specific to my account, please let me know what I need to do to resolve this. 

    Thanks!

    • Walter's avatar
      Walter
      Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
      6 years ago

      Hey slidedesignr; thanks for the additional details here.

       

      I'm not sure if this will do the trick, but have you tried overwriting the file using our website and not by copying or moving the file on your desktop with our desktop app running?

       

      While we're at it, are you using our new desktop app when overwriting the file(s) or your Finder/File Explorer? 

       

      In case this keeps happening, could you send us a sample shared link that's showing this behavior so we can have a look on our end? 

      • slidedesignr's avatar
        slidedesignr
        Helpful | Level 6
        6 years ago

        Hi Walter, I have the desktop app installed, but I don't use it. I'm saving to/ copying/ overwriting/ etc using the synced folders on my Mac.

         

        What's the best way to shoot you a link? 

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