Dropbox Badges & Syncing Issues

[WSwinford]

We have noticed that if the files or folders are accessed via the Dropbox desktop app through a shortcut, then the badges do not show up. There also seems to be a related issue that the file will not sync back up until Dropbox is fully exited. 

[Rich · Accepted solution]

Is the actual file in the Dropbox folder, or are you using a symlink in the Dropbox folder that points to the original file located outside of the Dropbox folder?

If you're using a symlink, then this is expected behavior. Dropbox does not support symlinks. Folders and files located outside of the Dropbox folder will only sync back to Dropbox when the Dropbox client is restarted. This is a limitation of the operating system in how it reports file changes back to Dropbox.

Also, items like the badge will only work for files located within the Dropbox folder.

[WSwinford]

The actual file is in the Dropbox folder with a shortcut outside of the Dropbox folder, typcially on a desktop, that points either directly to the file at issue or the immediate folder it is contained in. I'm not sure if a Windows shortcut is equivalent to a symlink.

The problem doesn't seem to occur when the shortcut points to a folder a couple of levels above the file at issue. There also is not an issue when the shortcut is located in the "favorites" section of Windows Explorer.

[Sanchez]

Hey @WSwinford, welcome to our community! 

The shortcut that’s pointing to a file or folder within your local Dropbox folder, is not considered a symlink here. 

Rich is right about the expected behavior of the badge. Have a look at this article that discusses other reasons that the badge may not show up. If you’ve got everything covered, then please submit a support ticket here, so our team can investigate further. 

Cheers

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