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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]

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? 

  • w_b's avatar
    w_b
    Helpful | Level 5
    3 years ago
    Other own that folder.
    Windows says I need to provide administrative access, but gives no opportunity to enter credentials.
    From Dropbox web site, clicking ... on the file has rename, delete, etc grayed out.
  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    3 years ago

    Could you send us some screenshots of how it looks on your end so that we can assist further w_b?

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

    Screenshots of what?

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

    Hi w_b, the screenshots should be showing the prompt for the administrative access, to understand what you're seeing.

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

    OK, here are screenshots showing ...

     

    The file that it's getting hung up on:

     

     

    BTW, if I didn't have an app like Everything by voidtools, how am I supposed to find the file it indicates.  If there are multiple files with the same name (in different folders), how am I supposed to identify which file?

     

    Try to rename it in Windows:

    then

    I am logged in as an administrator accunt - in fact the same account it says I require permission from.

     

    Try on web:

    None of Delete, Rename, or Move are possible because I don't have permission.

    I am a member of a group with view permission.

     

    Issue that I'd like to solve is the Dropbox icon in the notification area always says indexing this file (syncing this file if click the icon.

    And alt-h clicking on the preferences - accounts dialog has no effect.

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

    Hey w_b, would it be OK if we reached out via email to have a further look internally at this point? 

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

    OK, Walter, sure.  Do you have my email, or how do we take it to email?

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

    Yeah, no worries w_b - I've just sent you an email to the email address that's linked to your profile here,  on our Community.

     

    Whenever you get the chance, please have a look at your inbox and we'll take it from there.

     

    Thanks!

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