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znelson32's avatar
znelson32
Explorer | Level 4
2 years ago

Deleted folder and files still accessible via shared link

I shared a folder of files a few days ago. Today I deleted the folder and the underlying files. However, the link still works, the files still show up in the download page, and files are still able t...
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security
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znelson32's avatar
znelson32
Explorer | Level 4
2 years ago

No not possible. The folder structure is like this:

Folder A
—>Folder B
———>Folder C (share was here)

I deleted Folder C and all contents but hours later I can still get to them via the share URL. The resulting page shows me all file contents of the missing Folder C. Now when I go to Files, Folder A, Folder B, I don’t see Folder C (and I shouldn’t). But using the shared link I see it all, and can download the files.

Nancy's avatar
Nancy
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
2 years ago

Alright, let’s check one more thing; if you go to your Shared tab here, are you seeing this folder in the list, along with an option to re-add it to your Dropbox account?

  • znelson32's avatar
    znelson32
    Explorer | Level 4
    2 years ago
    Yes, it’s there along with some very old shared folders from years ago. I didn’t realize there was a shared folders view. Maybe that’s the issue, apologies! If I delete the share it should resolve. I guess the distinction is between the share pointing to a folder or file, and the actual folder or file. If you delete the latter it doesn’t mean the former isn’t still accessible. It’s a bit strange to think about to be honest.
    • Quan-d-o-n-g's avatar
      Quan-d-o-n-g
      New member | Level 2
      2 years ago
      I have the exact same issue, it‘s not as expected, nor a great experience and actually puts privacy at risk given it gives a false impression that access has been deleted. In my view this is a bug that needs to absolutely be fixed!

      From a security & privacy perspective I‘d even suggest Dropbox adds an option for share link expiration dates for the sharer to give more empowerment to people around their data.
      • Hannah's avatar
        Hannah
        Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
        2 years ago

        Hey Quan-d-o-n-g, thanks for your feedback on this.

         

        The option to add an expiration date on a shared link does already exist as a feature, however, it's currently available to specific Dropbox plans, along with other shared link permission options.

         

        As for the issue you mentioned, can you give us a few more details?

         

        Are you able to see the folder and its contents through the shared link, after deleting the folder from your account?

         

        Perhaps this is a caching issue; have you tried clearing your browser's cache, to see if that makes a difference? 

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