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Uploaded newer version of a file, but seeing the old one

Had this occur before. I have a saved file called (say) "Book" dated May 2023.

I delete it from my Dropbox. I then upload an updated file, also called "Book" but dated January 2024. This must be correct because other people access it.

I then later access Dropbox on my tablet. It shows the old file dated May 2023 which does not exist and not the new file. How can this possibly be?

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stig2

Thanks for your interest Nancy.

I certainly uploaded the latest version several days earlier, since the file is shared with a number of other people and at least some were able to access it.

I am unsure whether I was able to access the old file on Dropbox, since I had a local copy on the table - I usually do this for fear of this problem. Unfortunately yesterday i forgot.

Anyhow, today: lo and behold, the correct version is present (without me apparently doing anything, although I couldn't reliably report what I did yesterday.

This leads me to conclude;

1. There is some sort of sync problem.

2. Perhaps when I look at Dropbox files online, I am actually seeing a list which is on the tablet and not online - hence it reports an old version. Is this feasible?

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Nancy

Thanks for posting about this here, @StigW! This is quite odd, indeed.

Can you please open the older versions of this file, and let me know if you can see more details there? Feel free to send over a screenshot, too.

Are you sure you didn't accidentally upload the older version of this file from your device?

Besides the file in question, does your tablet contain all the correct Dropbox files (the same as the ones you see here)?

Keep me posted for any updates.

stig2

Thanks for your interest Nancy.

I certainly uploaded the latest version several days earlier, since the file is shared with a number of other people and at least some were able to access it.

I am unsure whether I was able to access the old file on Dropbox, since I had a local copy on the table - I usually do this for fear of this problem. Unfortunately yesterday i forgot.

Anyhow, today: lo and behold, the correct version is present (without me apparently doing anything, although I couldn't reliably report what I did yesterday.

This leads me to conclude;

1. There is some sort of sync problem.

2. Perhaps when I look at Dropbox files online, I am actually seeing a list which is on the tablet and not online - hence it reports an old version. Is this feasible?

Nancy

Glad to hear the issue’s resolved, @stig2!

Please keep in mind that the mobile app is basically a reflection of your web account, and syncing doesn’t occur the same way it does on the desktop app. So, you should be seeing the same thing on your web account and mobile app.

Other than that, I notice now that you’re replying back to me from a difference Dropbox profile/account. Is it possible that one Dropbox account contains the older version of the file, and the other one the most recent version?

stig2

The point is that the destkop app and the mobile app were not showing the same thing.

Also it can't be a different a/c: I was replying to you on my phone and that account is not shared with the desktop a/c.

Today different. I updated the file Sunday night. This morning the tab showed the correct file, though with a cross (x on red circle). Tried to download to tablet but it said file incompatible (?)

Could access OK on the desktop.

Re-booted the tablet. File now shows x on green circle and downloaded to tablet OK.

As you say, problem solved. Well, not solved, but gone away.