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Forum Discussion
Folder sync icon permanently stuck on "Syncing" when folder contains symbolic links
Device Windows 10 Pro
Operating System/Browser (if using the web) Dropbox App Version (if using the app) 242.4.5815
Syncing Status ("Up to date", "Syncing Paused", "Syncing 3 files" etc.) Perpetually shows "Syncing" on folders containing symbolic links/shortcuts
Question or Issue: When a Dropbox folder contains a symbolic link (or shortcut), the folder permanently displays the "sync in progress" icon, even though no actual syncing is taking place. This is incorrect behavior.
Expected behavior: The folder should display the normal (green checkmark / up to date) icon. If Dropbox cannot sync the symbolic link, it should notify the user with a one-time warning or informational message that can be acknowledged and dismissed. The sync status icon should not be affected.
Actual behavior: The folder perpetually shows the "syncing in progress" overlay icon, which is misleading. It gives the impression that files are still being uploaded/downloaded when they are not. This makes it impossible to tell at a glance whether the folder is actually up to date or not.
Steps to reproduce:
- Place a symbolic link (or shortcut) inside a Dropbox-synced folder
- Observe the folder's sync status icon — it will show "syncing" indefinitely
Impact: This creates confusion for users who rely on the sync status icon to verify that their files are fully synced. The icon loses its meaning when it is permanently stuck on "syncing" due to an unsyncable item.
3 Replies
- Mark
Super User II
The expected behaviour based upon this article is that it will show a Red X as they are not supported - Dropbox doesnt sync them hence the fail.
The detail on this, however, is amazing! It may be worth sending it directly to support at http://www.dropbox.com/support or if you dont have access to that on the relevant Build page which is here. Thats often quicker to the build team than community forums :)
I don't understad, isn't posting this message on the build page like spamming? anyway I'll post there, let's see
- Mark
I don't understad, isn't posting this message on the build page like spamming?
Not really - the developers look at the build pages directly but often dont here.
As this is only really supported by volunteers OR customer service agents its likely to be missed.
