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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 steps like: rebooting, turning Dropbox off/on, uninstalling/reinstalling Dropbox, pausing/restarting Dropbox etc.
My question is how do you determine what the two files are that don't seem to sync?
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
. 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:
- Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray/menu bar.
- Click the profile pic/initials icon in the top right of the window.
- Choose "Preferences..."
- Go to the "Account" tab.
- 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]
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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.
OK, Walter, sure. Do you have my email, or how do we take it to email?
Hi. I have the same problem and have tried your solution to no avail. 31 files are perpetually synching. All my files and folders have synched and are available online only. Any other fixes?
- Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey Charlvh - sorry to hear about this.
If this persists after rebooting your computer and/or quitting and relaunching the Dropbox desktop app, could you try fixing your hardlinks and permissions and let us know how it goes?
I have the same problem. Files continuously synching. I'm running V210.4.4854. How do I fix this?
Hi Walter. I've done all of that and it still doesn't work. I fixed the hardlinks and permission, quit and relaunched. I also logged in and out on the web.
