Environment
U-M Dropbox
Issue
Dropbox is making several changes to their file system, including how files/folders are structured.
Resolution
Beginning June 11, 2024, Dropbox will make several changes to their file system:
- Everyone will have a new personal folder denoted by their name (e.g., “Nancy Emcard”).
- The files/folders you own and files/folders shared with you are now stored in this folder.
- This does not include Team Folders or files/folders within them on which you are shared. These are stored outside your personal folder.
- You cannot move a Team Folder (or file/subfolder within it) under your personal folder.
- When you share a subfolder in a Team Folder with someone who doesn’t have access to the Team Folder, the entire file/folder path to the subfolder you’ve shared will be visible to them.
- This change will apply to all existing/previously shared subfolders, as well as any new subfolders you share moving forward.
- Example: Your Team Folder is “MED-Research.” You have a subfolder, “Study Participants,” that includes subfolders with participants’ names, like “John Doe.” Within a participant subfolder, you have another subfolder, “Non-identifiable subject data.” You share the “Non-identifiable subject data” subfolder with someone who doesn’t have access to the Team Folder. The Team Folder and parent subfolder NAMES (not content) will now be visible to that individual. (“MED-Research > Study Participants > John Doe > Non-identifiable subject data” instead of just “Non-identifiable subject data.”)
- Any other files or subfolders a collaborator is not explicitly shared on will remain hidden from their view. (This means all content in that file/folder path is still hidden - subfolder names are not.)
- We strongly recommend reviewing your Team Folder’s subfolder structures and sharing before June 11 and updating as needed. This will ensure that confidential or sensitive subfolder names are not revealed to collaborators shared at that level.
- If you were previously shared on a subfolder within a Team Folder you don't have access to, the name of that subfolder may change.
- Before June 11, your subfolder name would not update to reflect any changes to the name made by members of the Team Folder. (It would remain the same name as when it was first shared with you.)
- After June 11, when a member of the Team Folder changes the subfolder's name, it will also change the name for you.
- When using the Dropbox desktop app, the name will change from “Dropbox (University of Michigan)” to “University of Michigan Dropbox” in your file directory.
- On June 11, you may encounter a sync error if:
- You leave apps using files stored in Dropbox open on your desktop after midnight. Close all files and apps to allow Dropbox to resync.
- Windows users: You may receive a locked file/folder error ("Can't sync Dropbox account") or the sync status may say "Updating Dropbox account" or "Upgrading database" if you have left things open. You should close the apps and files causing the error and click Try Again on the error message. If closing apps/files doesn't work, do NOT click Cancel! Contact the ITS Service Center for assistance.
- You’re running an outdated version of the Dropbox desktop app. Ensure your app is updated to version 192 or later.
Additional Information
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.