"This file can't be previewed" Error Message

[sarah h.13]

This morning I started receiving the error message "This file can't be previewed" when I try to view pictures saved in my dropbox account. These are all uploaded by me and span a couple years worth of pictures. This is a work account, so it's important these aren't lost. They are also linked on a google doc and the same message occurs when the link is clicked.

I tried signing out then back in. I'm not sure what else to try?

[jzika]

Same here. It's Monday after Thanksgiving, and I can't view a single file in my Dropbox account. "This file can't be previewed." These are small .jpeg files and I've changed nothing in my system.

I just wasted an hour searching every forum, help link & trying everything I can think of. I put all my family photos and work photos on Dropbox a few months ago, after much anxiety about exactly this scenario. Otherwise, I love Dropbox.

What gives? Hoping it's a temporary bug that will soon be sorted out. Otherwise -- I'm out of here!

[310EI]

Hello, Sarah...

You can try a different browser to see if the same error occurs:

• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome

Do you use the web interface only or did you install Dropbox's Desktop Client on your computer to upload your files?  If you installed their Desktop Client then your original files should still be in your Dropbox Folder which is located on your hard drive.

HELP CENTER ARTICLES:

• What types of files can I store or view on Dropbox?  This shows you the types of files that can be previewed from the website (including any file limitations).  Be aware that if the files are password protected then you won't be allowed to preview them.
• What kinds of files and documents are viewable on my phone or tablet?
• How do I install Dropbox?
• Where is my Dropbox folder?
• How do I find and change my desktop application preferences?
• How do I add or upload files to my Dropbox?
• What is a system tray or menu bar?
• Save hard drive space with selective sync.
• How do I make Dropbox sync faster or control the bandwidth used?
• How do I upgrade to the latest version of the Dropbox application?

[sarah h.13]

I did try other browsers and got the same error message and I use the web interface as opposed to the desktop client.

However, the issue seems to have resolved itself as everything is working fine again as if nothing happened. I just wonder what happened and how to avoid it in the future? I wonder if it may have just been an issue with dropbox. 

[310EI]

---

@sarah h.13 wrote:

I did try other browsers and got the same error message and I use the web interface as opposed to the desktop client.

However, the issue seems to have resolved itself as everything is working fine again as if nothing happened. I just wonder what happened and how to avoid it in the future? I wonder if it may have just been an issue with dropbox. 

---

Hello...

Even if you use the web interface the files came from your computer so the original files should still be on your hard drive.

Hard to say for sure, I wasn't having any problems previewing my files through the web interface when you were.  Some of the issues can be caused by our browsers... when you have time, I reccommend that you read this forum thread.

Glad your problem is resolved.

[joevalley]

Dropbox was working fine (since the beginning of time for me) in terms of pictures having a thumbnail preview option when scrolling through folders. Now, all of a sudden (and with my team members experiencing the same issue), SOME, not all, pictures are not able to be previewed. Instead, they say, "This file can't be previewed." I have checked the file extensions and naming structures of the files with no obvious red flags. One file that does have a preview can have the same kind of file name and same file extension as another file that doesn't have a preview. I have tried using Chrome (our main browser), safari, firefox, and Maxthon; all with same results. I have also tried using Chrome in "Incognito" mode. All to no avail. 

Most of the pictures do have previews. Some do not. Help!

Joe Valley

[Dolphinusr002]

Yes, this problem is infuriating. The quality of the service has clearly dropped over the period of months that I've used dropbox. I used to be able to preview videos on it, but now it's not possible at all. If things don't change, it may be time to start looking elsewhere, because paying for service which degrades isn't very good.

I cannot preview even .jpg images at sometimes.

[Rich]

Refer to the File preview errors section on the following help article.

• https://help.dropbox.com/files-folders/file-types-that-preview

[joevalley]

Thanks, we'll check that out. We are using TIFF files...so that shouldn't be an issue. Perhaps, file size is our issue. I'll look into it. 

[JSN11 · Accepted solution]

This article - https://help.dropbox.com/files-folders/file-types-that-preview- solved my "the file can't be previewed" problem.

Specifically, this: 
To preview files on Dropbox using Chrome, make sure that Chrome is not set to Block third-party cookies and site data. You can adjust this setting on Chrome's Content settings page under Cookies.

No problem now viewing on Chrome or Firefox via PC or Mac. 

Phew.