Dropbox full because of shared folder

It really is shocking what rubbish this system is. There is no practical way to manage how the storage you have been allotted is used. There needs to be storage management tools that allow you to unshared stuff on a file by file basis and it won't effect others in the share community. Dropbox is designed to increase sales in jump drives because they are easier to manage and share files. Congratulations on ruining what could have been a good and credible product.

Please help me to use Dropbox well I still have difficulty to understand what is Dropbox and what is the best of use it. Thanks

@Kazem

Dropbox it's a useful sync application/service. 

When you create an account in Dropbox.com and install the application in your computer, you will have a folder in your PC or MAC. Then, you move valuable data (photos, docs, music, emails, work docs, etc) to the folder and Dropbox will upload the files to the cloud.

And then, you have this 3 main benefits:

1-) You can have access to this valuable data from your smartphone, tablet or other computers.

2-) It's not a backup solution, but works as a backup in some scenarios. for example, if your HDD crash, you install a new HDD, install your operating system, install the Dropbox app and your files will be recovered. If your laptop is lost or stolen, you purchase a new laptop, install Dropbox and your files will be recovered.

3-) You can access your valuable files from www.dropbox.com

Dropbox it's a useful sync application/service. 

I think this is about right although I question how useful. don't use it as a collaborative file share common directory sort of thing because it is crap. Big advice never use this as a shared folder with other people. The web interface is rubbish. There are no tools for managing the amount of files you have in dropbox. they expect to keep you in the dark so you buy more space. I have to admit, other than the clunky useless web interface most of my problems came from file sharing but I did get this to collaborate as my main reason so it has let me down big time.

I wouldn't recommend it.

Like everyone else I have been drawn to this thread by an internet search because I couldn’t work our why I was over my storage limit with so few of my own files…. Yes, it turns out to be the dreaded “shared folder” syndrome using up my storage space.

But I think I have a solution – of sorts.

That is, I know that if I “send a link” to my folder then anyone, with or without a Dropbox account can view/download the contained files – although on a “read only” basis.

So let’s say that someone has shared their larger folder with me that has used up my space..

• All I SHOULD need to do should be to create  - and save somewhere - a link to that folder,
• Then unattach that shared folder from myDropbox account.
• Then, by clicking on the link, I can still have access to the files – but OUTSIDE my Dropbox account.

Question therefore – how, within Dropbox can I do this – please please please do not just say you have to get the original owner to send a new link, it MUST be a facility with Dropbox somewhere!!!

Many thanks

Question therefore – how, within Dropbox can I do this – please please please do not just say you have to get the original owner to send a new link, it MUST be a facility with Dropbox somewhere!!!

You do have to ask the original owner to send a new link - they are the ones who get to decide how the files are shared, you don't get to decide how you receive them within Dropbox I am afraid.

Ok thanks - obviously I just have to accept that is the way it is - for now at least.

However, downgrading from a "share" to a "read-only link", does not require any new privileges - you would regard viewing a link as a subset of a full share.

Therefore there is no reason of protocol why this should not be possible to be activated by the recipient of the original share - all that I would be doing is deciding to use only some of the authority delegated by the original sharer.

So please Dropbox, if you are listening, make it easy for your users!

All the technical justifications for and against the Dropbox commercial model are interesting, but ultimately what matters is customer journey/experience.

Dropbox have made it difficult for a lot of users, where Google haven't. The "shared folders taking up space" issue is just one.

It's such a shame as I would love to support Dropbox, but just can't when my experience around this issue is much better with Google.

What a racket, I hope Google Drive and other services put you out of business.

Yeah, this is pretty terrible, what's the point in buying a TB of space if we can't share it with any clients without it also costing them per month. That's incredibly unfriendly, bit disappointed to find this out.

They claim that it's to stop stacking of free accounts for unlimited space? Well, only have it count against peoples quotas if the shared folder is created by a free account then?

Maybe instead of constantly using up bandwidth, just have it store the properties of the shared file and you have to download the meat of it when you want it.

Allow read only logins to a paid account (oh wait, business only, got to get more money).

Take the quota out of the holder of the shared account. We only currently share working folders with 2 clients, we could easily absorb that into our quota, they can't.

Any of these solutions which took all of 10 minutes to think up would be less offensive to front end users and not come off as just money grabby