Ran out of storage when uploading to a folder

[annettegrote]

I have a link from my lawyer for me to upload files to regarding litigation. I thought since the link came from them I was uploading to their unlimited storage. I just got notification that my storage is full. Do you mind explaining what’s going on and what the solutions are? It's a small, relatively new firm and I'm not sure they even have an IT department. Thought I'd ask here first. Thanks

[Jay · Accepted solution]

Hi @annettegrote, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

It sounds like they added you to a shared folder, which takes up quota for all members of the folder.

Since you need to upload files to them, you can ask them to create a file request, so you can send files to their account without it affecting your own.

If you have any further queries, feel free to message back.

[Rich]

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@annettegrote wrote:

I thought since the link came from them I was uploading to their unlimited storage. I just got notification that my storage is full.

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What you have is access to a shared folder, and you need enough space in your account to hold the entire folder and everything uploaded to it. You have your own COPY of the folder, which syncs with theirs. You're not uploading directly to their account, and you don't get to benefit from their increased storage.

• https://help.dropbox.com/storage-space/storage-space

If you need to upload files to them that are larger than your account can hold, you'll either need to upgrade your account so the shared folder fits in your account, or ask them to send you a file request instead.

[annettegrote]

Thank you for both your answers. Very helpful as I was in a time crunch.