Want to know more about Dash? Check out how Amy uses Dropbox and Dash to make her day easier here!
Forum Discussion
Opening Files in my local Dropbox folder - The last straw....
I noticed that lately, when I open a file in my local Dropbox folder, Dropbox opens a web page and then asks me what web app to use to open this file. This is totally unacceptable to me. I want to double-click my file and have my local app (Excel, Word, whatever) open the file.
I spoke with a very nice, very helpful representative via chat about this and I've discovered that there's no way to change this. Now I must right-click on my file and choose an app to open it. DropBox is listed as the default app and I must choose Excel to open the file.
So I will be moving my files from Dropbox to another online storage and sharing service. I've noticed that Dropbox has become more and more intrusive with ads and repeated suggestions about how to work and collaborate, asserting itself into all of my work with my apps stored and shared on Dropbox.
3 Replies
- Mark
Super User II
That isnt how Dropbox works Geri O
If files are on your machine if you click on them on your machine then you double click and open them in the app as usual. If, however, you actually are trying to open via an internet window then it is correct - you cannot open straight in to an app easily. I suspect as you mention adverts you are actually using the website instead of the local folder. The computer wont have adverts, only the website does. Dropbox's website is designed to be used when you are NOT using the software on the computer.
No, I'm not trying to use the files on the DropBox website....
I own Microsoft Excel and Word (among others, but's keep this contained to my issues today....)
Actually, I have, as well as having used Dropbox for years.I create my files on my computer. Once they are created, I move them into the local DropBox folder on my computer. I've done this for years. Only lately has Dropbox forced me to choose between local and online only. I work quite hard to make sure these files are set to local access. In fact, I'd bet my paychecks on that, if I weren't self-employed and I pay myself. I'm 100% certain I'm not trying to access the files from the website. Still, when I simply double-click on the file, a web browser window opens and Dropbox asks me which web-based app I'd like to open my folders. I have to right-click and select Excel, for example to open the file on my computer only. I even made screenshots of my Finder window showing my Dropbox folder and the files with the green Local checkmark beside them. I have no need nor desire to work from DropBox's website. I've looked high and low for a setting (other than the "Local" or "Online only" choice) that might change the way my LOCAL files open on MY COMPUTER. I've had no luck finding such a setting.
- For some reason Dropbox recently blew up its ease of use and overall utility. For example, sometimes I can see my Dropbox files using my iPhone and sometimes I can’t. In the past I could always see and download my files using my phone. I’m going back to backing my files up on hard drives, but if anyone cares to recommend a cloud alternative to Dropbox I’m willing to try it.
