An upload over limit caused my account to be locked.

[dhtax]

A file is uploding that exceeds my limit -- probably a video someone sent me-- so my acct is frozen. I paused sync. I cannot find the file on my Win11 PC -- I cant find a file or folder that size using DirStat.  I found one checking folder properties and deleted it. Also deleted cache and new files folders.  All now show as empty (I assume DB recreates them) but DB still shows my acct locked.

2nd Q:  Assuming this gets fixed, it looks like DB automatically upload photos and videos.  Is there a way to stop or limit that so this doesn't happen again?

[Megan]

Hey @dhtax, let's jump right into this! 

Just to make sure we're on the same page here: are you referring to a shared file, by any chance? 

When you check your Dropbox account online, are you able to locate the file there? 

You also mentioned that the account is "frozen" or "locked". Would you mind clarifying a bit more on this, please? 

Keep me posted, and we'll take it from there! 

[dhtax]

Thanks for replying:

• I don't know if it's a shared file but I suspect not.  I check.  Hang on, I'm going to reboot and try to check.  I have hundreds of shade folders, some on an external drive.
• No, I can't locate it in DB or on my PC.  think I is only partially uploaded; sync is paused.  It does not show in Recents.
• Locked means DB says I need to upgrade. I can still Open my folders and files.

[dhtax]

PS:  I cannot open the DB App on my PC.  I think I opened it before and paused sync.  Now nothing happens when I try.

[Megan]

Hey @dhtax, thanks for the info! 

Let's check your plan page right here, to see what might be taking up all of your account's quota. 

What do you see when you visit that page, and also is the folder visible when you visit your sharing tab here? 

[dhtax]

OK,  MY Account settings show regular files 6.3GB, Backuo 0, Replay 0/ Shared Files 26.9GB which is what puts me over the limit.  Even tho I'm on a Basic plan I have a 21 GB limit because I got all my clients to join years ago.

HOWEVER, I can't find any shared file anywhere near that big via Propertied or WinDirStat,

but I think   I found the folder in my PC ext drive called Backups 

MORE: I've been moving files out of DB so Acct now shows regular files 4.8GB, Backuo 0, Replay 0/ Shared Files 4.8GB, unused space 12.1GB  and the over limit notice has disappeared.  Good!

BUT:  The DB cache file on my PC still shoes 46(!)GB.  Should I delete it (again)?

How can I keep this from happening again?  The problem seems to be a Backups file on my PC.I know I can exemp files on the PC APP, but it still won't open.

Thanks dor any advice.

[Walter]

Hey @dhtax - I just wanted to mention that you can delete the cache folder again if you made sure that the app is 'up to date' and not still syncing your changes?

When it comes to the shared files taking up space on your account, do you maybe see them in your Sharing tab?

[dhtax]

Thanks again.

• My  App still won't open in Win11.  Can I uninstall it and re-install it without losing my connection to DB? Alternatively, is the pre-App DB executable for Windows still available?  I liked that it put an icon in the system tray.
• I  did erase the cache files and New Files.
• Is there a way to know which Windows folders DB is set to synch?  EG OneDrive puts a mark on synced folders.  I want to make sure this doesn't happen again.  Or can you tell w/in the App if I can get in running?

[Mark]

Hi @dhtax 

Just to add you wont be able to use any tools on your devices to find the large shared folder because they wont sync - so if you added a folder and it goes over the limit syncing immediately stops so it wont download. 

Dropbox will sync every file and folder that you see online at www.dropbox.com/home. So, if you  you don't want things to sync you need to leave the shared folders.

If local space is an issue you can use Selective Sync to totally hide from local device OR Smart Sync which doesn't download until they are opened. 

You can uninstall and reinstall Dropbox without causing issues 🙂

Just make sure you use the same log on details. www.dropbox.com/downloading

[dhtax]

Everything now seems to be working except that the DB APP which opened when I re-installed now does not open.  It looks like others have the same problem.  Any advice?  Do I really need it?

David