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Forum Discussion
conflicting copies and deleted files still appearing
For weeks now we have been seeing the same users getting conflicting copies in there group dropbox folders. These users won't ever open these specific files therefore don't understand why the same fi...
Mariedb
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffHi there!
Conflicted files are created as a safeguard to protect your files should changes occur to the same file at the same time.
When changes are made to the same file at the same time, the first computer to sync the change "wins." The other computer's changes are preserved and saved as a "conflicted copy." The conflicted copy is saved in the same directory as the original file and the file name is appended the name of the computer that made the change and the date the conflict occurred.
Conflicted copies can also occur when a file is left open on another computer, especially when using applications with an auto-save feature. Closing the file from within the application on either computer should prevent further conflicts.
For more information on conflicted copies, see the Help Center article here:
https://www.dropbox.com/help/36
If you are sharing the data between computers you must NOT run the application on more than one computer at a time. You will generate file conflicts and other problems.
Thus, the pattern needs to be:
1. Let files sync
2. Start application
3. Save files
4. Quit application
5. Repeat on different computers.
One workaround that can be used to prevent conflicted copies is to move the file out of the Dropbox folder while editing it. Doing this causes the file to appear as deleted and doesn't allow other users to edit the file. Once you're done editing, you can move the file back into its original location in the Dropbox folder. It will reappear with your edits for all users who have access to that file.
The other option is to move it to a second folder designated for "In Use" files. Other members of the shared folder can still access it if they need to, but will know not to make changes.
Also try disabling any anti-virus or any other program and application that could be keeping the file open as you want to sync the file. If any other program or user is accessing the file, a conflicted copy will be created.
I hope this helps!
