Files locked and deleted while using Photoshop

[ariann]

Hi guys!
I have a problem with my Dropbox since 2 weeks. It never happens before. It seems it is locking files on my computer and then deleting them (I can still find them online when I show the deleted files). It happens most of the time when I am retouching images in either Lightroom and Photoshop. Everything is fine when I save for the first time, but as soon as I try to save another time, they lock and I cannot do anything. Then the file disappear.
I made several tests and it’s only doing it on my Dropbox folder, nowhere else in my computer. Also tried without the antivirus. Still not working.

I am not using the smart sync.

I reinstalled Dropbox, still the same problem. I'm on PC.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

[Walter]

Hi @ariann - welcome to our Community!

Thanks for letting me know about the troubleshooting you've performed so far. 

Can you let me know which exact version of our desktop app are you running?

While at it and to help isolate this issue, could you please try quitting the Dropbox application by using the following steps:

• Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac/Linux)
• Click on your profile picture or initials to the right of the search bar and select "Quit Dropbox"

If the issue persists when Dropbox is completely closed, this suggests that the cause is related to something outside of the Dropbox application and you may need to check other applications or components of your Operating System that could be causing this.

If the issue is resolved when Dropbox is completely closed, please let me know.

[ariann · Accepted solution]

Hello Walter!
Thanks for the welcome!
I’m using version v90.4.307

I did what you ask (quit Dropbox and work on a file), and it’s working when Dropbox is close. I can work and save my files multiple times. I have run few more tests and this is what I noticed. The problem is happening when the file is still synchronizing. If I wait until the file is completely sync (green check) before saving it again, it will be ok. If the file is not sync (blue arrows) and I try to save it then it will be locked and deleted when the synchronization is completed.

I have always work the same way for years (working while Dropbox is syncing) and I never had a problem. I noticed this 2 weeks ago, but I haven’t been working since December (maybe it was an update during that time, I don't know).

Thanks for the help 🙂

[Walter]

Thanks for keeping me in the loop and I'm glad you managed to tackle this issue after all @ariann!

If you ever come up with a Dropbox question, please let us know.

Until then, take care and see you around the Community! 

[comfort]

I have the same issue, and had it before.  I've always worked from my dropbox folder, so I can leave my house and when a client really needs something, I can access everything from elsewhere.

I've read the ' solution' , but it's a workaround. It's not solved. I used this workaround last year too. And this lead me to forgetting to start dropbox again after I quit it, and I would tell my clients the files are there, leave the house, and no they were not there because Dropbox wasn't synching . 

If I have to manually start and stop the synching process, I might as well use Wetransfer to send my work to my clients. I decided for Dropbox so I DON'T have to worry about all of this.  

For me the issue started again when I installed a new SSD in my system (no, not an external drive), dedicated for my work and Dropbox.  Windows drive is for windows only. Anything else is not on C. For any professional app/service, this should by default not be any issue whatsoever. 

DB as a company (in help files and here) tells me I can relink to a new folder, but in reality this is not the case. I have to do it manually, log out of the app, which renders the state of the app as being installed fresh. The only thing it can do is create a new db folder (the app doesn't give other options), and I have to manually move the content to the new db folder. Unfortunately, then this problem with Photoshop occurs. 

This relinking option not there is something DB hasn't dealt with. There's a topic about this from 10 years ago. The option still isn't there. People somethimes have to move stuff to other drives in their system, but it creates problems. The first time I had this problem, it was also because the DB folder was relocated. 

First time I asked DB for help, I was told it's a Windows problem. So I use the DB app, move the folder with a workaround as instructed by Dropbox, and it's a Windows problem. Hmmm.. 

I'm thinking.. why do I see so many problems 'solved' with a workaround. I've learned that workarounds are temporary solutions, and in the meantime the probem is being solved. But it's not.. being solved. 

Please fix this issue, for real. I know what when I reinstall my entire system, the issue with Photoshop is resolved and I can save and synch every second if I wanted to. But I shouldn't have to do this, right? 

[Pilo]

Hi!
I was looking for some help in the web regarding this problem and I've found the Ariann's post tagged as the Accepted Solution. Sorry but I don't consider that trick a Solution!!!
I've realized very quickly that DB synch was stoping PS the saving process and deleting my files the first time that this happened. A Big Bug I think!
I hope you patch this issue some day. I was working for years saving my files in the cloud directly from PS without a problem.
Please, understand that any time that DB makes this bug I can lose my last update of the file if I don't pay attention, specially when I'm on a deadline, working fast or with several files at the same time.