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Forum Discussion
Unknown folder and icon in my desktop app called Dropbox cache.
Hello
I just noticed there are a folder named ".dropbox.cache" and a file icon named "desktop" in my desktop app. What are they? Why did they appear all of sudden? Thanks
jazzmeg1 wrote:
I don't know why those two icons are in my Desktop app folder.
Aside from being hidden, the desktop file is actually called desktop.ini, and is a application settings file that controls how a folder appears in Windows. If you enable the display of file extensions, instead of hiding them, you'd see the full file name. It's part of Windows; not Dropbox. You'll see the same file in many folders throughout your computer.
Megan
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffHi jazzmeg1, happy Monday, I hope you're doing well!
The cache folder is used as a staging area to sync files to and from your account. Dropbox keeps a cache of files hidden in your Dropbox for efficiency and for emergency purposes.
Now, as for the desktop icon on your desktop app, I'm guessing it could be a program file, but please feel free to send me a screenshot, in order for me to have a visual of this.
Keep me posted!
Hello Megan,
Thank you for getting back to me.
I don't know why those two icons are in my Desktop app folder.
They were not there before. Both appeared at the same time.(about a week ago or so)- Jay
Hi jazzmeg1, these are hidden files, which won't be visible in normal settings on an OS. Have you enabled the visibility of hidden files on your OS?
Thank you for the information, Jay
I will look into it.
Thanks.
- Rich
Super User II
jazzmeg1 wrote:
I don't know why those two icons are in my Desktop app folder.
Aside from being hidden, the desktop file is actually called desktop.ini, and is a application settings file that controls how a folder appears in Windows. If you enable the display of file extensions, instead of hiding them, you'd see the full file name. It's part of Windows; not Dropbox. You'll see the same file in many folders throughout your computer.
Hi Rich,
Thank you for your explanation.
I went to Settings>For Developers>Change settings to show hidden and system files and fixed the problem!
I am puzzled because I don't remember that I enabled the file extension display.
Thank you again!
