Can't Open a DropBox link sent to me

The person that created the link did not do it properly. That's a link the local file on their computer, not to the file on Dropbox. They need to follow the process described here:

https://help.dropbox.com/share/create-and-share-link 

Mod note: edited to update link in post. [last updated 2022]

I too keep getting asked to download dropbox, just to view a link.  What I am getting from all the comments is that the user set up the link incorrectly? 

From the second part of your post, the user sent you a shared folder invite, not a shared link.  Shared folders require a Dropbox account in order to accept the invite.

Also, now that I have downloaded dropbox, I keep getting messages that I have run out of room and have to upgrade for a fee.  I can't even open the new flies my vendor is sending me due to this issue. Anyway around paying for upgrade?

Shared folders count in full against your account (you aren't accessing files in another persons account, you are accepting them into your account), which is why your account will run out of space if you accept the invite - there is no way around this, you need to ask the sharer to send you a shared link instead.

[This thread is now closed by moderators due to inactivity. If you're experiencing a similar behavior, feel free to start a new discussion in the Dropbox Community here.]