"Copy Dropbox link" sometimes creates old links that don't work

Question

I often have to create a link to a Dropbox file for clients to view and download.  Usually, I accomplish this on desktop (PC) by right-clicking the file, choosing "Copy Dropbox link," and then pasting the resulting link into the e-mail to my client.

Most of the time, this still works.  After Dropbox's recent changes, "Copy Dropbox link" usually creates a link that looks like this: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/65avgpwwjjmnbl2pyian4/[FILENAME]?rlkey=paha8uo2do3ruc1opiercsrxu&dl=0

But every so often, it will still create a link that looks like the old form-- like https://www.dropbox.com/s/nolyojhrr6htuqn/[FILENAME]?dl=0.  When clients receive a link like that, it redirects them to the Dropbox login screen instead of sending them to the file.

I can't seem to figure out the rhyme or reason for which files produce which kinds of links.  Is there any way to ensure that all of my files will produce rlkey links?  Or to make the old-style links actually direct people to the file in question?  I'm bewildered.

JasonSilverDBX · Answer

Hi @jmargretsmith ,

I can help out here with the link format part of your question.  The longer URL containing the rlkey parameter is our new shared link architecture.  Those links are "content based" in that they are tied to the content being shared.  This as opposed to the old architecture which is "user based" which is tied to each user that creates a link.  We are in the process of transitioning all links - including existing "user based" links - to the new architecture.

As for your clients being directed to login rather than a preview of the file on the web, customer service would need to dig into the details of your specific use case.

-Jason

Walter · Answer

Hi there @jmargretsmith - sorry to hear you're having issues with this.

Can you clarify how you are creating the links that have the old form in the first place and if those are view only or edit links?

Do the recipients of the links have a Dropbox account and if so, are they a part of a team account or using individual accounts?

Any additional information or screenshots are more than welcome!