I see a grey X next to my Windows files and they can't be opened after disabling computer backup

__sarah__

Hello! I used to use the backup feature of Dropbox for my computer. Notably, this included my Documents folder (on Windows 10). At some point I turned off the backup feature because I thought I didn't need it any more. I thought this would stop the integration with my computer gracefully, but it seems that now many of my files in my Documents folder are no longer accessible, as if they were made online-only (but there is no longer an online version backing them). Some screenshots attached. The problem files appear with a grey X on the bottom left of the icon. If I try to open them, I get failure and an error message sometimes depending on the program trying to open it. I do not have OneDrive, which is the usual cause I see online for the grey Xs.

 

How can I get my files working again?

grey Xs on files that cannot be openedgrey Xs on files that cannot be openedgrey Xs on files that cannot be openedwhat happens if I try to open a text file with an X using notepad++what happens if I try to open a text file with an X using notepad++what happens if I try to open a text file with an X using notepad++

Nancy

Hi @__sarah__, sorry to hear you’re having this issue.

 

As mentioned here, the grey X icon you’re seeing is a Windows icon and not a Dropbox one. However, it usually indicates there’s a syncing issue between the file and Dropbox. 

 

When you disabled computer backup, did you follow these steps? If yes, was your Dropbox app up to date at the moment, or was it still syncing your backups/updates?

 

Can you send me a screenshot of what you see here?

 

Keep me updated.