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TomFuller's avatar
TomFuller
Helpful | Level 7
3 months ago

My files don't always to my online Dropbox account, even when the app says it's up to date.

On my Macbook M1 Pro, I add files to the local hard drive, but they do not always appear on my Internet dropbox account or on my iPhone. Sometimes I "touch" them with a slight modification, and that gets them to sync, but even this does guarantee that they will appear on my account or iPhone. 

  • SUCCESS!

    I finally figured out the problem and solved it! It is a very subtle "bug" in Dropbox. If a file is copied into a folder under Dropbox control, but its name is changed within a couple seconds, Dropbox loses track of it and does not sync it. I have a program that produces text files that are always named "notes.txt". I copy these into my Dropbox folder and immediately give them more useful names. If I do so too quickly, Dropbox "loses" them. A work-around is to re-name them before placing them in the Dropbox folder. Another work-around for files already "lost" in the Dropbox folder is to slightly edit (I add a space character) and save them. Then Dropbox is suddenly aware of them and syncs them. Both work-arounds work perfectly.

  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

    What does Dropbox say if you mouse over its icon? Are the files stored in Dropbox on a local drive with no symlinks etc.?

    • TomFuller's avatar
      TomFuller
      Helpful | Level 7

      It says "up to date" and it will do so even when some files are missing. 

       

      I just learned a new word today "symlink." I don't think I've ever done such a thing. How can I check?

      • Walter's avatar
        Walter
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

        Hey TomFuller - could you clarify your device's OS version and the version and status of the Dropbox desktop app as shown in your menu bar?

         

        As for checking for symlinks on your device, you can find out more with an internet search. 

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