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DripDropCloud's avatar
DripDropCloud
New member | Level 2
2 months ago
Solved

How can I access a shared folder that exceeds my quota?

Hi, I recently received a shared folder from my employer that is 18GB in total size, because it warehouses several thousand files. While only a small percentage of those files are totally pertinent to my work/projects, I am completely unable to view/access the folder.

Since I was assigned a basic/starter 2GB Dropbox account for purposes of general engagement and wherewithal pertaining to company files, anytime I click on the shared folder link, I am prompted to upgrade my account to a premium tier.

Is there a workaround for this issue? For example, on Google Drive, entire folders and their contents can be shared with anyone, in many cases, even those without a Google Drive account or login credentials at all. So, with that in mind, am I doing something wrong, or is Dropbox sincerely that restrictive that I can't even access a file/folder that exceeds my limit, even though the account it's being shared from in a premium plan that DOES have the bandwidth?

Shared Folders
Storage space
  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    2 months ago

    There are a few options:

    1. Ask for a read only shared link instead - as then you access via the link and it doesnt impact your quota
    2. Ask for the shared folders to be reissued to only the directories you need (if under 2GB)
    3. Get additional space. 

    Shared folders use the quota of everybody within it unless you are part of a paid for business team - and have a paid licence allocated to you. 

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  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
    2 months ago

    There are a few options:

    1. Ask for a read only shared link instead - as then you access via the link and it doesnt impact your quota
    2. Ask for the shared folders to be reissued to only the directories you need (if under 2GB)
    3. Get additional space. 

    Shared folders use the quota of everybody within it unless you are part of a paid for business team - and have a paid licence allocated to you. 

  • Dell_Dropbox's avatar
    Dell_Dropbox
    Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager
    2 months ago

    To piggyback onto what Mark said, here are instructions on creating view-only shared links, which one count against your account quota. Scroll down to the section that says "How to create and share a Dropbox link with view-only access"

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