We're making changes to the Community, so you may have received some notifications - thanks for your patience and welcome back. Learn more here.

Forum Discussion

turbinator1990's avatar
turbinator1990
Explorer | Level 4
7 years ago

I am getting a "Folder in use" error - can you help me?

This issue is related to the dropbox Desktop application/program. Using the windows File Exploroer to browse my Dropbox folder I attempt to change folder names I would get an error "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program, Close the folder or file and try again". This issue is the same for all Droxbox folders and only way to change the folder name is to logon to Dropbox on Google chrome and rename folders from there. 

 

Is there any way to correct this issue so I can go back to use Windows File Explorer to rename folders?

  • 310EI's avatar
    310EI
    7 years ago

    turbinator1990 wrote:

    I am using Windows 7 operating system.

    Even with all other programs closed and dropbox client paused syncing I am still having the same issue. 

    I re-started my computer and still encounter this issue. To note this computer is shut down on a daily basis. 


    Hello, turbinator1990...

     

    Okay.

     

    Thanks for trying the suggestions.

     

    Do you have any 3rd party programs accessing the Dropbox folder (eg: backup program such as CrashPlan or iDrive)?  Perhaps an external drive connected to your computer?

     

    Can you change the name of a folder that is not located inside your Dropbox folder (eg: folder on your desktop)?  If not, then something on your computer is preventing you from renaming folders/files that has nothing to do with Dropbox.

     

    Perhaps you could take a screenshot of what you see when trying to change the folder/file name.

     

    Let us know when you have time.

  • We'd also be curious to know:

    If Dropbox is turned off does the issue replicate? That will tell us if it's us or a 3rd party application that's holding the file locks or us.

    It doesn't sound like a permissions error that's popping up however that might explain why it's on all files/folders in the Dropbox folder (if this is the case).

     
    [This thread is now closed by moderators due to inactivity. If you're experiencing a similar behavior, feel free to start a new discussion in the Find Answers section here. ]
  • 310EI's avatar
    310EI
    Star | Level 17

    turbinator1990 wrote:

    This issue is related to the dropbox Desktop application/program. Using the windows File Exploroer to browse my Dropbox folder I attempt to change folder names I would get an error "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program, Close the folder or file and try again". This issue is the same for all Droxbox folders and only way to change the folder name is to logon to Dropbox on Google chrome and rename folders from there. 

    Is there any way to correct this issue so I can go back to use Windows File Explorer to rename folders?


    Hello, turbinator1990...

     

    You didn't offer any specifics as to what tools you're currently using to accomplish your task, such as your operating system (eg: Win7, 8.1 or 10).

     

    I was able to change my Dropbox folder names while the Desktop Client is running.

     

    Something on your computer is accessing your Dropbox folder/files (eg: file open in Word/Writer or Excel/Calc, etc).  Make sure all of your File Explorer windows are closed except one in order to change Dropbox folder names.

     

    You could try pausing the Desktop Client and then try to change folder/file names (left-click on Dropbox icon in system tray then left-click on UP TO DATE verbiage).

     

    If above suggestions don't help, please restart your computer or better yet, shut-it-off for 60 seconds and then turn it back on.

    • turbinator1990's avatar
      turbinator1990
      Explorer | Level 4

      I am using Windows 7 operating system.

       

      Even with all other programs closed and dropbox client paused syncing I am still having the same issue. 

       

      I re-started my computer and still encounter this issue. To note this computer is shut down on a daily basis. 

      • 310EI's avatar
        310EI
        Star | Level 17

        turbinator1990 wrote:

        I am using Windows 7 operating system.

        Even with all other programs closed and dropbox client paused syncing I am still having the same issue. 

        I re-started my computer and still encounter this issue. To note this computer is shut down on a daily basis. 


        Hello, turbinator1990...

         

        Okay.

         

        Thanks for trying the suggestions.

         

        Do you have any 3rd party programs accessing the Dropbox folder (eg: backup program such as CrashPlan or iDrive)?  Perhaps an external drive connected to your computer?

         

        Can you change the name of a folder that is not located inside your Dropbox folder (eg: folder on your desktop)?  If not, then something on your computer is preventing you from renaming folders/files that has nothing to do with Dropbox.

         

        Perhaps you could take a screenshot of what you see when trying to change the folder/file name.

         

        Let us know when you have time.

About Integrations

Find solutions to issues with third-party integrations from the Dropbox Community. Share advice and help members with their integration questions.

Need more support

If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X or Facebook.

For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.

If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!