Child Item

how about a force sync/refresh button?

I am looking at my drop box through my browser, everything is there and up to date. I'm also looking at my drop box on my computer, it says everything is there, no syncing icons, just a big bag of green ticks. but one does not equal the other. whats on my computer isn't whats in my drop box. I am missing folders and files.

there needs to be a refresh button or right click option to force a refresh of folder contents on your computer.

After much mucking around I paused the sync (even though it said there was nothing to sync) restarted the sync and bingo they appeared. no downloading, just there as if they'd been there all along.

This also happens when I save a image or file into the drop box folder on my computer, if I then go find that image/file in an application such as indesign or photoshop its not there, as in it won't appear in the window dialog. But if I go to the finder and look for it, its there.

Syncing like that is really slow or is non existent.

So freaking frustrating.

Find more posts tagged with

Desktop

Sync

Insightful

Closed - Partially Delivered

Accepted answers

All comments

Dave Carter

IMHO it sounds more like you have a faulty computer.

Not being able to see the file in a folder via the select file dialog box of an application but being able to see it via the folder explorer, has nothing to do with DB, that sounds more like the folder content changed service your SO supplies to applications is not functioning.

.

This would also result in the DB application requiring a pause and resume to detect new files as it subscribes to the same content changed service of the OS to see when files appear as does items like open file dialog.

Alan C.23

The computer is a iMac 5K with 24gb of ram and is 4 months old. it runs flawlessly and gives me no other issues, hickups or snags. I don't see how it can be a faulty computer when the only issue I have is dropbox.

Dave Carter

LOL, whipity do what specs its got, do Lear jets not fall out of the sky or something?

You said "when I save a image or file into the drop box folder on my computer, if I then go find that image/file in an application such as indesign or photoshop its not there,"

.

Since that FOLDER is just a FOLDER just like every other FOLDER if its not working between you copying files into it with some OTHER program, and looking at it with some OTHER program, then why is that DB's fault.

.

You have already said the DB app is suffering non sync issues and then said other applications also are suffering the same way, how does this then make it DB's fault?

Heck I could say, well since InDesign cant see the file it must be InDesigns fault causing DB not to sync the file. (which would be just as incorrect)

Alan C.23

dude, I don't care whose fault it is, its an issue that can be fixed by the addition of a reload/refresh button. And since it is an issue around viewing files within dropbox, then I'm going to go with dropbox resolving the issue, its not the OS's problem to resolve third party apps issues or bugs, whether they are part of the programming or the interaction with the OS.

Dave Carter

Well it wont happen, your faulty OS install isnt this apps problem to fix. It isnt broken for the other 100,000,000 users.

So we dont feel like the pointless inclusion of an option that does no more than a pause & resume (which you can do now in 5 seconds)

Just so you can feel better about the faulty install of the OS you have. (the one you admitted to when you said Indesign suffers from the same fault).

Alan C.23

Maybe 99,999,999 other users just haven't questioned it yet.

I'm just trying to raise an issue that I have, and maybe other people have too. But you seem intent on believing that dropbox is completely bugfree.

Do you work for drop box? because the way you are writing indicates that you do. and frankly your professionalism is pretty poor.

Dave Carter

Your problems steam from that your full of opinions that you believe are fact, yet are not. 3 in your last post alone.

.

"Maybe 99,999,999 other users just haven't questioned it yet."

No, I think it would be pretty obvious to us all if every one else was having your problem.

.

"But you seem intent on believing that dropbox is completely bugfree."

No, I never said that, I explained how DB gets its update alerts on changing files, and how InDesigns Open File Dialog will also, both from the OS both you are reporting are not working, conclusion OS faulting in not reporting to all applications requesting said info.

This in no way implies DB is bug free, so I assume that you just boasted that out to attempt to mitigate my conclusion that your OS is not supplying info to apps as expected of it.

.

"Do you work for drop box? because the way you are writing indicates that you do. and frankly your professionalism is pretty poor."

No, and the way I write indicates anything BUT that I work for them, you state a lack of professionalism and yet you say I write in such a way as to imply I work for them, the two statements conflict on the assumption of employment with DB IMHO.

.

Now to explain why I pointed out the above misconceptions by yourself. If you wont consider anything but the idea that you are correct from the start and that it can only be what you think is wrong, even in the face of explanations of cause, your destined to just have a non functioning app, non functioning for the same reason a car wont run without petrol, nothings is wrong with it, it just needs something to make it work, which isnt being supplied. Sitting in the car and telling everyone its the car company who should fix, that the car doesnt go when it doesnt get petrol, and that they should make a handle that each time you turn it the car goes for that second, wont get anyones attention at the car company, and wont impress the other car owners in having this pointless handle.

Wayne J.8

I have a similar issue with Dropbox sync in windows, sometimes it even crashes explorer and or a program I am using. Once I turn syncing off all is OK. If there was a way to have Dropbox sync work only once you have finished accessing or closed a file that would be great. Stop trying to sync a file i am working on would be ideal ( bit stupid that it does really )

Erika O.1

I have a similar problem, and I'm on a PC. Two computers both showing Dropbox sync is up to date, but they differ...

For some reason the files on my laptop are not syncing. I would like to see a 'force sync' button too Dave C..!!

Kathleen F.8

I also have this problem. I switch between my mac laptop and my PC desktop, and DB causes all sorts of headaches with syncing. I would definitely support some sort of refresh buttong, as I've tried pausing syncing and restarting etc

Hector R.2

Same here.... I just don't trust the sync and a force sync button would be great... I only edit on one computer due to the fact that I've tried editing on the second computer only to have the files showing up as "conflicted"... I agree with Alan this issue should be addressed...

Wayne J.8

My work around is to not leave Sync running

Only when I get up to go somewhere or attend a meeting I turn it on. If it was more customisable with functions like

1 sync between times ie 5pm and 8pm

2 sync when computer not in use or when screen saver is running

3 sync and when done shutdown computer

these would be very helpful.

peter b.151

I would also support a more flexible interface to the syncing of dropbox. I use dropbox alot to shift files between two machines on totally different "unconnected" networks. It seems that there are times when the file just doesn't arrive within a reasonable time. The ability to right click and say force dropbox sync would be quite handy. I'd also support Wayne J above when he suggests the ability to specify times when syncing can occur.

Thanks

David A.96

One again, I also have this issue. I use dropbox for backup of CAD data usually before an update to the CAD software. If it isn't in sync then this could cause me huge issues. A sync button to force this with confirmation should be simple to implement and I for one would prefer this.

Marcos P.2

I also have the same issue on Windows 8.1

Thanks Alan C. for the tip of "pausing sync" and starting over. That did the trick. However, I was also looking for a "force sync" button (the work-around is not very obvious)

Luis O.11

I'm waiting for it to sync for 15 minutes now.
I looked everywhere for a "sync" button or force sync or configuration but to no avail and now I found this thread.

I even thought it was barred from the free accounts but I see it's not.

I think it's something taken for granted. It's vital to have it and developers at db didn't need for us to say it was necessary.

Luis O.11

just to clarify:
I don't need a button on the app on my computer!
I need a button on dropbox.com

Roger M.6

I'm having the issue too. Dave C - Are we all imagining it? I saved my document before I left work, and 6 hours later it is not on my "up to date" dropbox at home. How can I force a sync? The "pause sync" idea didn't retrieve my file.

Some real help - 24/7 phone support is needed - this isn't a start-up anymore. BTW, yes, I'm on the paid service, not the free. If they're taking my money, asking for support is not a stretch.

Christian P.16

Needs a resync button... usually either quit the app and start it again or a reboot is needed... its easier if you just had a right click-force resync

Richard G.34

Yeah, I'm sitting here waiting for the blue to turn green. And nothing seems to be happening. If only to make me feel like I'm doing something, a refresh button would be good.

Igor S.3

Same issue here. Got problems with sync after update of dropbox. Will be nice to have a refresh (mandatory re-sync) button.

Dimo B.

Just to renew the issue: obviously, nothing happened since last March and I also continue to have problems with the syncing between two Windows machines. I think many of us "other 100,000,000 users" will be happy if an explicit refresh functionality is supported.

Cregg H.

I constantly have problems with DropBox not syncing. That is to say, I make a change on one computer and very quickly see the change appear on the website, but the change is not synced to another computer for many minutes--often after going back to the first computer and making further changes to try to trigger Dropbox to get a clue.

I've been putting up with it, hoping the linux client will add a manual sync--as it obviously should have--but I'm about ready to give up and give box a try.

Just now, a change synced to this computer on a file I made on another computer before I even started searching for this thread.

Mohd Suhaime S.

Not yet reached 100,000,000 people that need refresh button Dave C? Is it still not 'pretty obvious' to you and DB that we need that button? Like others, i found these info by DB staff when searching for answer, What a bad attitude. Thank you Alan C for rising the issue.

brad b.7

I hit this all the time, too, on my Windows machines. Usually it's not an issue, but it's frustrating when I need to sync a file quickly between two machines (kind of the whole point of DB). The Pause Sync workaround works, but I have to do it all ALL the devices I need to sync. DB needs a Force Master Sync button...

Wayne J.8

I have found the best way round this dump Dropbox sync app. Loooong story.

Because of all the issues I have had with apps and explorer failing because of dropbox I decided to remove Dropbox app off my PC and look elsewhere for a solution. I am now using a free application to sync my entire Data drive to a folder on a NAS

Yet another thing Dropbox app is incapable of doing But FREE open source apps have no problems doing it.

Anyway now my explorer works perfectly and does not crash on right click send mail and my expensive applications no longer have issues with their files being synced while I am trying to do work.

So now to sync with Dropbox, to that end I have another low spec PC that is running Dropbox app and it syncs to Dropbox. Small problem Dropbox app will not sync to mapped drives?????. Anywho I had to find a work around get it to look like a folder on a local drive. I can post this if anyone needs to know how to do.

So now I don't need to worry about a force sync button, it just takes a while for the data to get to Dropbox.

ALL this just because Dropbox app is not quite right or finished or what ever other excuse / misdirection tactic Dave C or anyone else wants to give us.

signed not so impressed customer....

Mohd Suhaime S.

How about u just share ur idea Wayne J.. who knows it could benefit others.. Thank you.

Ave T.

I agree with Alan C. I am starting to lose my patience with Dropbox. maybe I'll quit it all together.

Dave C you don't have to be an ass because you haven't had this issue.

Kevin N.20

I run a small business on Dropbox and it's a nightmare. A new staff member joined last week and before he had even stepped into the office I explained to him the kind of syncing issues that happen every single day. I would love to see a force refresh button. Dave C can get off his high horse about it!

Frank F.4

Hopefully Dave C, never works for any company, vendor, or client I have to interact with: his comments and attitude were just WAAAY too unreasonable. And Dave C appears to be inexperienced because any developer would know: synchronization issues are common on any service that is dependent upon synchronization ... Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and so on.

What Dave C seems to be unaware is: in every other environment, they have given the user the ability to trigger a manual sync and such. For example, I uploaded some files from my iphone to Dropbox (why? because of the idiotic idea that iOS does not support a commonly accessible filesystem across apps). So three hours later, they still haven't arrived. I would have expected some right-click, manual re-sync feature. I tried starting Dropbox from the Start menu, but that had not effect. Anyway, now 10 minutes later (for some reason) the files are starting to doiwnload.

I agree with one of the the writers above, the long-term solution is some open-source tool to do this. And if it isn't working, at least we have source code to debug the problem.