Dropbox: Missing Folders in Finder/File Explorer

Environment

U-M Dropbox, Dropbox desktop app

Issue

Some of my folders that are available on Dropbox on the web are not showing up in the Dropbox desktop app (i.e., in the file directory, Mac Finder or Windows File Explorer).

Resolution

Follow the troubleshooting steps below to figure out why you may not be seeing all of your Dropbox folders in your local file directory:

• Ensure that you are signed in to the desktop app using your U-M Dropbox account. If not, then you will need to sign in and link your U-M Dropbox account. Refer to Dropbox: Link/Unlink U-M Account and Personal Account for steps on linking your U-M Dropbox account to the desktop app.
• Verify that you have added the Dropbox shared folder to your U-M Dropbox account. Refer to Dropbox: Add/Join a Shared Folder to Your Account / View a Shared File for more information on how to verify this.
• Ensure the missing folder(s) is selected in the "Selective Sync" preferences on your computer. Refer to the instructions under "Choose which folders to store on your hard drive" in Article ID: 3069.
  • Automatic, local desktop syncing for Team Folders is turned OFF by default. You will have to use selective sync in the desktop app to add it to your desktop sync.
  • If the missing folder is a Team Folder, you will need to ensure that:

1. Selective sync is turned ON.
2. The Team Folder is selected from the list of synced folders.

• Check if the folder(s) has any special characters or symbols in the name - : \  / : * ? " < > | - as they are unable to be shown within Mac Finder/Windows File Explorer. You will need to remove any characters/symbols from the folder name.

Note: These limitations are in place because computers will not allow file/folder names to include some symbols or special characters in their names.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try uninstalling and re-installing the Dropbox app. Refer to Dropbox: Install the Desktop / Mobile App on Your Devices for steps.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.