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Forum Discussion
Folders showing up empty when I send a link to someone
This has only been happening to me within the past week, but it is really hurting my business. I am always sending a folder with either video files or photos. Generally people are opening the link on...
Same thing happened to me. It's extremely annoying.
So far the thing that worked for me was to turn off tracking of viewers for that particular folder. Seems like when the person to whom you're sending the link refuses to be tracked, the folder appears empty. (Dropbox!!! Why should the priority be on tracking instead of actually doing your primary job - sharing the files?!)
So the way to do this: log in Dropbox.com via a browser -- find your folder -- click Share -- click the Settings gear icon -- under the tab "Folder settings" uncheck the option "Viewer info. Show who’s viewing files in this folder to people who can edit." -- click Save
(you might need to generate the sharing link again after this, not sure)
The tracking can also be turned off by default in your account settings -- under General tab find the option "See info about people who view my files" and switch it off.
Mark
Super User II
Super User IIWe need a bit more info VK007 as I'm not sure what the issue is.
What folder are they trying to access and how? Is it a link? Shared? etc.
Remember we cannot see whats happening over your shoulder.
Hello Mark,
I pay for Dropbox Plus and have for several years. I’ve never had any issues “sharing” any one of my folders / project via messages or email until recently.
Currently - When I share the link to a specific folder of a project that I’m working on, the recipient gets a prompt that states “the folder is empty”. I wrote verbatim what is happening, knowing full-well that you’re not able to “look over my shoulder”. Basically, one day I could share any folder via link that I wanted to. Then the July update happened. And ever since, I’ve had several colleagues, friends & family members tell me the same thing - “folder is empty”. Obviously, some bug exists in the July patch as this has never happened to me before.
I pay for Dropbox Plus and have for several years. I’ve never had any issues “sharing” any one of my folders / project via messages or email until recently.
Currently - When I share the link to a specific folder of a project that I’m working on, the recipient gets a prompt that states “the folder is empty”. I wrote verbatim what is happening, knowing full-well that you’re not able to “look over my shoulder”. Basically, one day I could share any folder via link that I wanted to. Then the July update happened. And ever since, I’ve had several colleagues, friends & family members tell me the same thing - “folder is empty”. Obviously, some bug exists in the July patch as this has never happened to me before.
- Mark
The bit that threw me was 'the July patch' line if I'm honest as Dropbox doesnt, and never ever has had, a patch frequency and programme like that.
So, if you are sending out a link and people are saying its empty what happens if you go to the link? Is it empty? Can you see the files on your desktop in the Dropbox folder and at the website if you go via www.dropbox.com/home ?
- Perhaps I’m using “patch” incorrectly but in July there was an update to Dropbox via the App Store which seems to be the culprit as this situation has never happened before.
When I, myself, clink on the shared link, it takes me to the folder that’s being sent. Everything is where it’s supposed to be an visible.
On the recipient’s end, I’ve explained what happens 3 times now. Instead of opening the shared folder, they are immediately taken to a sign-in prompt, where they are asked to sign in with Google or Apple ID, or to create a new account. This was NEVER required prior to July’s update! Now, even after setting up their own respective account(s), these recipients get the error “folder is empty” after clicking the linked folder.
Again, on my end - I can see everything. Since this morning, I’ve had 4 people whom I’ve shared links with tell me the same exact story. “folder is empty”.- Mark
I'm only trying to help. I'm a volunteer on here so there is no need to be rude. If you dont want it thats fine - I wont reply.
The update only impacts software on the device, it doesnt change how links work as that is managed on the website.
If they are being asked to sign in the link being sent is either as one which has edit permissions or has restrictions on it. If you go to www.dropbox.com/home and check on the Share button next to the ones you have shared if it says 'Can edit' that is probably the issue. You can also do a share there as a test by just tapping on the 'Share Link' button. Then to test it rather than send it to people use an incognito or private browsing session.
