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Rob72's avatar
Rob72
Explorer | Level 4
6 years ago

.iCloud files, how can we open them and how do we stop it from changing?

Hi Guys, we have a business DB account, and more frequently we are finding files are turning into .iCloud files, is there a way we can stop this happening and also the files that are showing as iCloud files/documents how do we open them especially if we are operating PC's and not mac's. 

Thanks in advance for any help as this is causing no end of problems opening old files

Rob

  • Thanks for getting back in touch with me here Rob (Rob72)! To re-iterate my previous message, kindly bear in mind that these files are mere placeholders that have been synced instead of the original file. In order to gain some insight, I’d suggest checking back at the Version History of the file in question on your account online (tip: it’s on the on the 💬 ). 
     
    I hope that this helps you determine the most appropriate next steps & please do let me know here if you have more questions about any of the above & I’ll check back with you asap!
  • Jane's avatar
    Jane
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    Hey Rob (Rob72), it seems that the file that you're referring to seems to be a file generated by iCloud, as it's possible that iCloud generated a placeholder of the original file when you moved it to iCloud originally.
     
    If this was the case, the placeholder file could have been created prior to you adding it to the Dropbox folder, in which case the iCloud placeholder has been synced to Dropbox instead of the original file.
     
    Since this pertains to an implementation that Apple made on the latest versions of macOS, I’d suggest running a search on our preferred browser, that will bring up some results pointing you towards the best next steps to get going on this matter. 
     
    Additionally, I’ll leave this question open to our Community of users; maybe someone could offer their insight on how you’d best go about on this query. I’m always here in case you have more Dropbox-related questions or you’d like to share your thoughts & I’m wishing you a lovely rest of your day! 
    • Rob72's avatar
      Rob72
      Explorer | Level 4

      Hi Jane, thanks for the reply, but the issue is the files were not originally placed by me they were originally created or uploaded through another team member and the files existed as standard doc, xls, ppt, etc...Now for some weird reason they are turning in to iCloud files which no one in the team can open?

      Thanks, 

      Rob

      • Jane's avatar
        Jane
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        Thanks for getting back in touch with me here Rob (Rob72)! To re-iterate my previous message, kindly bear in mind that these files are mere placeholders that have been synced instead of the original file. In order to gain some insight, I’d suggest checking back at the Version History of the file in question on your account online (tip: it’s on the on the 💬 ). 
         
        I hope that this helps you determine the most appropriate next steps & please do let me know here if you have more questions about any of the above & I’ll check back with you asap!

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