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Is renaming a higher level folder going to break shared links?

Krabut

Hello,

Are share links absolute, or do they conform to hieracal structure?

Within an inherited folder structure is a folder containing shared newsletters.

Can I re-name a lower level folder without **bleep**ing up the links to the shared higher level files?

root folder

--- folder 1

--- folder 2

--- folder 3 <- can I change the name of this folder?

------ newsletters ("DO NOT change name of this folder" it says)

--------- share file 1

--------- share file 2

--------- share file 3

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Mark

I believe Dropbox changed shared links recently so that they are not based upon the folder structure they are in, however, I'm not 100% sure on this and as such I'd be tempted to trial it in another folder directory first because IF they do change you cannot restore old links.

Krabut

Thanks, but I really need a clear, absolute answer.

Krabut

, or or will they die if I change folder titles in the hieracal structure?

hello. 😄

Mark

@Krabut wrote:
Thanks, but I really need a clear, absolute answer.

You'll need to contact Support for that

Krabut

Thanks, but support only answers paying customers.

Megan

Hi @Krabut, thanks for posting here!

Keep in mind that renaming a folder on a lower level than what's shared, shouldn't affect the link, as well as renaming a higher folder affecting a shared subfolder.

I hope this clarifies!

Krabut

Thanks for your time, but sorry, you are answering in the same non-absolute way as the other, who took time out.

Imagine that I change the name of a lower levels (closer to DB root) folder, and it DOES affect the content.

And imagine that I do not get my share-links back, if I then change the folder name back?

I am trying to have a definite answer, not a maybe or probably not, or shouldn't have any effect. It's a very simple question, as it is has to be part of the DB-motor:

Are share links absolute or not?

Jay

Hi @Krabut, have you tried testing this yourself with an example on your own Dropbox account?

In your original post, where are the shared links? Also, when you mentioned shared files, are those shared links to files, or when sharing the file directly to another user, which is a different process?

Krabut

Hi Jay,

I have not tried it, as I can not be certain of success or the opposite.

Is a precise answer not possible?

Like I said: It is an inherited folder for the organisation I was elected chair of (Danish Poets). There are other folders, and I want to leave it as well organised as possible, so no one even thinks to change folder names - IF there is a slight chance printed links will break - or that they will know the consequences for sure, one way or the other.

root folder

--- folder 1

--- folder 2

--- folder 3 <- can I change the name of this folder?

------ newsletters ("DO NOT change name of this folder" it says)

--------- share file 1 - NEWSLETTER #1

--------- share file 2 - NEWSLETTER #2 shared as link in later editions

--------- share file 3 - NEWSLETTER #3 shared as link in later editions, eg this

best, kk

Hannah

Hey @Krabut, I just tested this out and my link did not get affected.

If you're still unsure, do test this on your end as well, perhaps with a random folder structure, or a new test one you'll create, before actually trying it.

Krabut

Hi Hannah,

I just tested it myself - the various possible permutations of changing folder name, moving folder to other folder, while KEEPING THE SAME NAME OF SHARED FILE - and the link kept working. BUT - since I am dealing here with a folder full of shared files to print/each newsletter linked in the next - I DARE NOT assume that it is the same logic. Because you and others say it is a recent implementation. I have been in this business long enough NOT to assume logic between programmors, no offence.

So, I would still appreciate an official answer from DB to the effect that shared links are permanent ?

Krabut

Strictly speaking, I meant LOWER level folder, as it is CLOSER to ROOT.

Not being a coder I find it hard to turn in my head... 😉

Krabut

In a recent string I tried to get an official answer to the question:

Are shared files permanent? as in: Indifferent to hierarchy?

Dropboxers and super users BELIEVE so - and one and myself have tested to see if a link dies, if a lower level folder has a name change or the shared file is moved to a different folder, and it did not change.

(However THIS is not evidence that very old shared links can also survive a move or lower level folder name change! Just saying that logic is not 100% always)

But, if shared links ARE in fact permanent, why not have them be SHORTLINKS? db.com/[number]or[my_file]?

Or did I just suggest something that already exists for paying customers? 😄

Hannah

Hey @Krabut, I can confirm that your links won't be affected if you rename the folders on any level of your folder structure.

Shared links will break, if the content they point to is deleted.

Also, shared links are tied to the person who originally created the link. If the link points to a shared folder (shared with edit access) and the creator leaves the shared folder, the link will break.

I hope this clarifies things.

Krabut

Hi Hannah, thanks for the extra mile.

but this is shocking: "Also, shared links are tied to the person who originally created the link. If the link points to a shared folder (shared with edit access) and the creator leaves the shared folder, the link will break."

we are a volunteer organisation, and the deputy group changes members every 2-4 years. And when I step back as chairman, and am excluded from access, all the links I have made are dead?!!

So, even if every member with edit access was permitted use of the group's official mail to make shared links (online), everything I have already done in my time here will be erased, as links go?!

What can I do, if anything?

best, kk

Megan

Hi @Krabut, as Hannah mentioned, if the creator leaves a folder this will be the result. Same if the account or content is deleted.

You can use a stable Dropbox account, that all the links will be coming from there, and the credentials will change, and get passed onto the next person.