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Dearbhla's avatar
Dearbhla
Explorer | Level 3
2 years ago

File extensions with hyphens '-' don't sync to the Mac desktop app

Hi
 
I'm seeing something strange that didn't used to happen, but I am unsure when the behaviour started. If I add a file that has an extension with a hyphen, '-', in it to a Dropbox folder using the website, the file uploads fine, but it doesn't sync down to the Mac desktop app.
 
Example, if I drag in three files:
 
AFile.pdf
AFile.pdf-a
AFile.pdfa
 
to the webpage they all upload successfully, but then if I look at the Dropbox folder on the Mac and wait for it to sync, only two of the files appear. The one with the hyphen is missing. No errors are reported that I can see.
 
Does anyone else see this? Do you know what I might be doing wrong?
 
I'm using MacOS 12.7.3 and the latest Dropbox App v193.4.5594.
 
Thanks
desktop
Mac
sync

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  • Dearbhla's avatar
    Dearbhla
    Explorer | Level 3
    2 years ago
    Hi Harry785
     
    Thanks for your reply. I'll try to answer your points below:
     
    Check File Compatibility:
    The hyphen isn't listed as one of the disallowed characters.
     
    Update Dropbox App:
    I'm on the latest stable version v193.4.5594 
     
    Selective Sync:
    I don't have this turned on.
     
    Review Smart Sync Settings:
    I don't know what this is or where to check it.
     
    Check Dropbox Website:
    The files ARE appearing on the Dropbox website.
     
    Rename Files:
    If I rename them on the web to remove the hyphen they instantly get synced to the Mac.
    If I rename them again on the web to add the hyphen back, they instantly disappear from the Mac.
     
    Contact Dropbox Support:
    I don't know how to do this - I have a basic account. Do you have the URL? Thanks.
     
    Check System Logs: 
    I can't see anything in the Mac logs, but then they are enormous.
    Do you have a search predicate I can use?
     
    Thanks for your help. Any advice welcome.

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