I am testing Smart Sync for our team. All fine but when files are 'Online Only', Windows Explorer search can't fined them. I have tried a few PCs in our team and all have the same problem, so I dont think it is an individual PC issue. We are all running Windows 10. Any ideas?

The Windows search functionality, that allows finding files set to online-only through the Smart Sync feature, is now available on computers with versions of Windows 8 and above, starting with the beta version 60.3 of the Dropbox desktop application that you can find here. When this is available in the stable version 60.4 next week, your computer should automatically update and receive the fix. Thanks to all that reported this and we appreciate your patience on this matter. Happy syncing!

Smart Sync - Windows Explorer Search Not Working

55 Replies

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Rich
Super User II
9 years ago
I don't know if that's the intended outcome or not, but it would make sense. The files aren't in Explorer anymore, so Windows might not be able to index them.
bwhight
Helpful | Level 5
9 years ago
Rich wrote:
I don't know if that's the intended outcome or not, but it would make sense. The files aren't in Explorer anymore, so Windows might not be able to index them.
Thanks Rich. Im pretty sure the idea is the files work in exactly the same way, so are searchable when 'Online Only'. Dropbox Support have said they are looking at it, but a couple of weeks have passed now without an update.
LeeCujes
Helpful | Level 6
9 years ago
We're having the exact same issue on certain Windows 10 installations - some but not all.
Jane
Dropbox Staff
9 years ago
Hey LeeCujes,

Welcome to the Dropbox Community, glad to work on that with you!

It is my understanding that this has been a team-wide issue. Please keep in mind that, because SmartSynced files are indexed on your computer (they leave a placeholder), this shouldn’t have been occurring. To my mind, since you mention that it doesn’t affect all devices on your team, it’s OS-specific, therefore it has to do with the way your files are indexed locally. Just as a first troubleshooting step, could you please make sure that Dropbox is included on the indexing options of these devices (you may find more information if you run a google-search for it)?

If this persists and obstructs functionality, I’d suggest that you raised a ticket with the team, describing the case and letting us know the users and devices that are affected.

I’d be more than glad to troubleshoot this with you, if you send me a ticket ID in your reply!

Thanks in advance,

JaneA
LeeCujes
Helpful | Level 6
9 years ago
Thanks for your response JaneA.

I can confirm that Dropbox is included in the "Indexed Locations". I've confirmed the Windows 10 indexing options are the same as those on a machine which is searching as intended.

Further, I have rebuilt the search index from scratch - no result.

It is as though the "online only" stubs are invisible to Windows search on this machine.

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Regards
Lee
LeeCujes
Helpful | Level 6
9 years ago
I made a quick screencast demonstrating the behaviour - showing a folder with 'online only' stubs, and Windows refusing to show the files in a search. Screencast: http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cbhTXMXpxf
Jane
Dropbox Staff
9 years ago
Hey LeeCujes,

Thanks for your prompt reply and the screencast, much appreciated!

Please keep in mind that at the moment I can't load your screencast on my device, for security reasons, though, because I feel that we can figure out a solution together, I'd have to ask you to send it in to me on a ticket, where I could check the accounts of the affected members. Please write in to us and let me know a ticket ID here, so that I follow-up with you.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation, looking forward to hearing back from you!

Warm regards,

JaneA
stephanb
Helpful | Level 6
9 years ago
This does not work on my end either. Windows 10. Is this supposed to work? i.e, is it supported? I can only search locally synced content that is indexed.
Jane
Dropbox Staff
9 years ago
Hey sberna,

Happy to work on this issue with you, since this shouldn't be happening.

Online only files are indexed normally on your computer, therefore the search should have looked into your computer, as if these files took up physical space.

Because I can see that you have already opened a new ticket with us, could you reply there, in order to check the case?

Thanks for your cooperation!

Warm regards,

JaneA
Jeffrey S.31
New member | Level 2
9 years ago
Hi,

Has this issue been resolved? We are having the same problem on Windows 10 machines as well.

Thank you.