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Shawn B.14's avatar
Shawn B.14
Helpful | Level 6
6 years ago

Dropbox is stuck syncing after an update, what can I do?

I have the "Dropbox Plus" subscription and I run the client on 4 computers.   Yesterday (Monday, 13-Jan-2020) I signed onto my desktop (which is always on) and has a full local sync of my dropbox...
desktop
sync
windows
Shawn599's avatar
Shawn599
Helpful | Level 6
6 years ago

Thank you @PatWard for the advice to hold the space bar to see the buttons!  It took a couple of tries and then I got them.  Been syncing 32,000 + files for a week now.

PatWard's avatar
PatWard
Helpful | Level 7
6 years ago

Yeah no worries. I discovered it by accident .. something resting on my space bar ...

Mine seems to of indexed about 2-3000 files over the last week .. which I suppose is progress.

 

Question to the forum about Symlinks .. I've never knowingly created one .. does dropbox do it itself? When, for example, you migrate it to a different hard drive?

 

Thanks

  • Fiona's avatar
    Fiona
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    6 years ago

    Hi everyone! 

    PatWard the Dropbox desktop app doesn't have the ability to create symlinks for your files.

    However, if your Dropbox folder was renamed, the Dropbox desktop app will create a hidden folder with the old folder name ("Dropbox"). This is called a “symlink.” This hidden folder points to the new Dropbox folder from the old location path.

    If your computer is set to show hidden files and folders, this symlink may look like a secondary Dropbox folder on your computer but it isn't. 

    :pushpin: Notes for hidden symlink folders.

    • Some programs on your computer may depend on the original Dropbox folder path name ("Dropbox") to function properly and so if your main folder has been renamed it is best to leave the hidden symlink folder untouched. 
    • The symlink folder does not use extra disk space on your computer or your Dropbox account. 
    • Deleting files in the symlink Dropbox folder will also delete the original file but deleting the symlink folder iself won't delete the main renamed Dropbox folder. 

    You can mention  me, or other Dropboxers and we will be happy to participate in your discussion more. 

    Cheers! 

  • PatWard's avatar
    PatWard
    Helpful | Level 7
    6 years ago

    Thanks Fiona, thats a bit clearer. A bit. But my patience is waring thin now.

    Daphneasked me to move to email a week ago and so far there's been as good as silence. I'm just left waiting wondering whats happening.

    For a problem that seems to be of your own making I'd of expected better.

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