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No subfolders showing in Windows File Explorer
I have a Dropbox folder on 2 computers. On my Windows 10 machine, it works with File Explorer just like any other folder. But on my Windows 7 machine, File Explorer does not show any subfolders on the left hand side; in fact, there is not even a carot (arrow) to expand the Dropbox folder. When I click on it, I get the subfolders in the right hand part of the screen. But they won't expand either (no carot/arrow) unless i click on them.
This makes moving files much slower than it should be.
My file explorer is set to display hidden files, so that isn't the cause. Other suggestions?
Thanks for the screenshot wgilbert3 - much appreciated.
As I expected, this is a functionality that comes from your computer's operating system - everything seems normal. What you see and described is actually normal and expected behavior.
Having said that, I am passing your comments along to the team as a suggestion for future consideration. If there's anything else I can do for you in the meantime, do let me know and we'll take it from there.
Thank you!
Sorry for any confusion this might have caused so far Bill.
What I was referring to was the expected behavior of your computer's OS. The "Favorites" section does not provide an arrow for any of the entries listed there as also shown in your screenshot - this is why I said this was expected behavior. This option is available for your libraries as you can see too.
If you need help locating the Dropbox Folder or creating a shortcut to it for that matter on your computer, please take a look here. Should you find that you're missing files or subfolders, let me know and I'll reach out to you via email directly so we can have a better look into this together.
Thanks for you swift replies so far - I appreciate it wgilbert3!
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- Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey there wgilbert3!
Have you restarted your Windows 7 device as a first step to look into this issue? Can you also let me know if your desktop app is running and "Up to date" on both devices? Also, while I think this might be an OS specific configuration, would you mind sharing a screenshot of what you described so we can have a visual as well so as to know that we're troubleshooting the right thing here?
Thanks in advance for your response and cooperation.
I've restarted Windows 7 many times with no change. The dropbox app says it is uptodate on both machines. I assume it is running since it shows up in the taskbar; not sure how else to know?
Screenshot below. Note how there is no carot/arrow on the Dropbox folder or the subfolders, vs. the Documents, etc. folders below.
- Walter
Thanks for the screenshot wgilbert3 - much appreciated.
As I expected, this is a functionality that comes from your computer's operating system - everything seems normal. What you see and described is actually normal and expected behavior.
Having said that, I am passing your comments along to the team as a suggestion for future consideration. If there's anything else I can do for you in the meantime, do let me know and we'll take it from there.
Thank you!
I can't believe that this is the "expected" behavior. All other folders of all types in Windows 7 File Explorer behave just like Dropbox is on my Windows 10 machine: no problem seeing subfolders.
there has to be something wrong with either the Dropbox program or some setting that it isn't working.
If this is really the "expected" behavior, then it needs to be fixed asap!
- Walter
Sorry for any confusion this might have caused so far Bill.
What I was referring to was the expected behavior of your computer's OS. The "Favorites" section does not provide an arrow for any of the entries listed there as also shown in your screenshot - this is why I said this was expected behavior. This option is available for your libraries as you can see too.
If you need help locating the Dropbox Folder or creating a shortcut to it for that matter on your computer, please take a look here. Should you find that you're missing files or subfolders, let me know and I'll reach out to you via email directly so we can have a better look into this together.
Thanks for you swift replies so far - I appreciate it wgilbert3!
Walt,
Thanks; that is very helpful. I didn't realize the difference between Libraries (etc) and the top section of favorites.
What I should have figured out a long time ago is that you can right click on the Dropbox icon (in the top favorites section) and get the choice "Include in Library." Having done that, the Dropbox folder shows up under Documents (where I pointed it), with all of the expected behaviors (carot/arrow, subfolders, etc.)
I guess that should have been more obvious to me, but it wasn't. Wish I had figured it out earlier!
But now solved
Thanks
- Walter
Thanks for the considerate reply wgilbert3 - very much appreciated :slight_smile:
I am glad I was able to point you towards the right direction Bill and note that I remain at your disposal; should you need anything else, just let me know!
Thanks for using Dropbox and have a lovely weekend!
Is it possible to have a dropbox folder that's not under Favorites or Libraries. I know in Windows 10, you can have it shows as it's own "drive" or it's own group. This is for Windows 7 however. Any instructions on how to do that?
Thanks
- Walter
So you'd like to add a shortcut to your Dropbox folder on your Windows 7 computer nycmin ?
If that's indeed the case, please have a look at the following Help Center article as it outlines how to best achieve what you had in mind:
https://help.dropbox.com/installs-integrations/desktop/locate-dropbox-folder
I hope this helps!
Actually, see screenshot. I'm looking for something like this. Note, the screenshot is for Windows 10, but I'm looking for a way to do this on Windwos 7. Thanks.
