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Darryl B.3's avatar
Darryl B.3
Helpful | Level 5
6 years ago
Solved

How to find what files are syncing

One of my computers has been syncing two files for days. Yet, all my subdirectories and files have the green icon to show they have synced. Even the hidden files appear O.K. I have tried the usual ...
desktop
sync
  • Daphne's avatar
    Daphne
    6 years ago

    Hey Darryl B.3, I hope you're well today!

    Usually, if the files are still trying to sync, they would appear with the syncing icon :arrows_counterclockwise:. The folder that these files are within will also show the syncing icon through the entire file path.

    If none of your top level folders are showing this icon, then I'd suggest trying the steps below to see if that resolves the "Syncing" status for you:

    1. Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray/menu bar.
    2. Click the profile pic/initials icon in the top right of the window.
    3. Choose "Preferences..."
    4. Go to the "Account" tab.
    5. While holding the alt+H keys (for Windows) or Option/Alt key (for Mac), click "Fix Hardlinks".

    If this doesn't resolve the issue, please follow the steps again and instead click "Fix permissions". 

    I hope this helps, let me know how it goes!

     

    Mod note: updated steps and link in post [last update 2023]

Megan's avatar
Megan
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
3 years ago

Hi w_b, thanks for posting here! 

 

Can you share some info as to what you'd like to achieve, or what the issue is? Do you face the same issue as the OP mentioned, or something different? 

 

Let me know more, and I'll be happy to share some next troubleshooting steps with you.

w_b's avatar
w_b
Helpful | Level 5
3 years ago

The dropbox icon in the notification area forever says

Indexing "Proto logo_black.ai"...

Other files seem to be properly synchronized.

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    3 years ago

    Hey w_b, thanks for the update here.

     

    Can you please quit the Dropbox app, then restart your computer and then relaunch the app from your applications folder, to see if that helps?

     

    Also, can you locate this file online, and try to rename it?

    • w_b's avatar
      w_b
      Helpful | Level 5
      3 years ago

      I've rebooted many times since this started, but I did again after exiting dropbox.

      No change.

      I don't have permission to rename the file.

      I right clicked and chose to make online-only.

      Now the dropbox icon says up to date.

       

      I tried to access extra commands on the preferences - account - alt-h click

      Nothing changes.

       

      I changed the folder back to offline access.

      Even after all icons on the folder change to show their are available, Dropbox icon says syncing Proto logo_black.ai

       

      so problem is not solved, but I can reduce the annoyance

      • Walter's avatar
        Walter
        Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
        3 years ago

        Hey w_b, sorry to jump in, but when you say you don't have permission to rename the file, is this because it's a shared file or are you getting any particular errors? 

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