Lost files in Dropbox

[steve_almostech]

I'm an IT professional, has been using DB (Dropbox) for over 10 years.  Paid business account.

I just noticed that a number of folders are empty on new PC (2020) new laptop (2022) and in DB cloud.

I still have them in old PC and laptop but not accessible without DB app running, marked with grey X.

But if DB app starts synchronising it deletes these files, see picture, instead of uploading them!

Spent days checking Community for solution but couldn't find any.

1. DB and Windows are latest. Tried pausing sync or shutting down internet access, both cases access to these files is blocked, cannot be copied. 

[Megan]

Hi @steve_almostech, let's jump right into this!

You mentioned that these files aren't visible when you visit your Dropbox account online, therefore it sounds like they might be deleted.

Have you checked your deleted files page online, or the events page, in order to check if that's the case, and see if you can restore these files, in case they have been deleted?

That way, the restored content can then be synced locally, to your devices. 

Keep me posted on the results!

[steve_almostech]

Hi Megan,

Screenshot on the right is an example of a problem folder, taken TODAY. There are very few items and very few activities. No delete event.

Next screenshot shows SAME folder with lots more items and delete events. Why not visible today?

Looks like a serious DB problem. 

Thanks, Steve

[Jay]

Hi @steve_almostech, could you try navigating directly to the Dropbox folder itself via the Dropbox icon in Explorer? These files you're showing currently don't have any sync icons visible on them, since syncing is paused, and would prevent us from seeing the current status.

Have you tried copying these files elsewhere to ensure they're saved?

If there is a grey X icon as you mentioned, then this would mean that they could be online-only, and might also be conflicting with another cloud provider on the machine. Is OneDrive enabled on your device?