Cannot download shared folder

[Kak L.]

I thought dropbox has fixed this problem, but I was wrong. A client shared a folder with me through dropbox. When I click on it, I get a message saying I don't have "enough space to access the folder." [profanity removed per the Community's Guidelines] I just want to download the content. I have no interest in adding it to my dropbox account. Also, why do I need a dropbox account in order to download a folder that was shared to me? I just want to download it. Why is it so hard for dropbox to just allow this? 

[Rich · Accepted solution]

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@Kak L. wrote:

I thought dropbox has fixed this problem, but I was wrong.

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What you're experiencing isn't a problem; it's by design. You need to have enough space in your account in order to access a shared folder that you're invited to.

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I just want to download the content. I have no interest in adding it to my dropbox account. Also, why do I need a dropbox account in order to download a folder that was shared to me?

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When you're invited to a shared folder, the intent is for collaboration. You have the ability to upload and edit files in the folder. It's not meant as a simple download. For this type of collaboration, a Dropbox account is needed.

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Why is it so hard for dropbox to just allow this? 

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They already do. The person sharing with you just needs to send you a shared link, and not invite you to the folder. With a shared link, you can view and download the files linked to, without needed a Dropbox account.

• https://help.dropbox.com/files-folders/share/view-only-access

[projectileobjects]

This is why our company got rid of dropbox pro. They continue to make their platform more problematic for end users.  

Being forced to "add" something to your account by design is an awful idea. All we can do is recommend that people do not use dropbox at work.  For anything...