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Forum Discussion
My client is asked to log-in to access my shared file
Hi There, I'm trying to get files to a client urgently for a press deadline. I shared a link to files—the usual way—and my client clicked the link from his email but he was asked to log-in. He said...
johniwhite wrote:
I suspect (hope) that this is just a temporary glitch on Dropbox though.
It's not a glitch. It's the way you're sharing the file.
If you use option 1, you're inviting someone to a file and a Dropbox account is required. It's an invitation to a specific individual, and to verify that they are who they're supposed to be, they have to sign in to an account using the same email that you used to send the invitation.
Option 2 creates a Share Link that anyone can use to access the file and a Dropbox account IS NOT required. Anyone that has the link can access the file. The ymay be prompted to create an account, but it's not necessary to access the file.
I have the same issue. Dropbox says you can send links to folks without dropbox accounts (which I need to do). I was able to figure out (badly written instructions) how to get a link and email it but none of the folks can actually open the link, some are told they must sign in with a name and password (what name and password would dropbox be asking for?) or open a dropbox account and some were told the folder did not exist. I tried sending the links to another of my emails accounts and had the same issue.
- Mark
Super User II
As long as its a link and not a shared folder with any edit functionality (as you need an account to edit files) you can do so without an account. However, you MAY get popups asking you to join Dropbox.
Tell them to just tap X at the top right or click ESC to get rid of the dialogue box - they may need to resize screen / go to 100% if zoomed in
Mark. You write "As long as its a link and not a shared folder with any edit functionality..." but I don't really understand that. I'd guess that dropbox wouldn't give me a link except to a file that coud be accessed by others? I don't know the differnece between a shared folder with edit functionality and any other kind??
- Rich
Shared Folders require that each user accessing the folder have a Dropbox account. Likewise, if you invite a user to a file, that will require an account as well.
If you create a Share Link to a file, a Dropbox account will not be needed by the recipient, but they may be prompted to optionally join Dropbox and create an account. In such cases, they can simply close the modal that prompted them to join, and continue to the file.
