Child Item

Downloaded a zipped folder full of files, got an empty folder

I'm trying to download from Dropbox a folder that includes a couple hundred image files. When I try to download it, I get a zipped file.

When I click into the zipped file to investigate its contents, I see all of the image files, as I'm supposed to. But then when I unzip the file (selecting "Extract All"), it leaves me with an empty folder-- no files.

I hate this. Does anyone know what I need to do differently? Thanks!

Find more posts tagged with

Preview

Download

Accepted answers

HP8

I've actually figured it out since my last post! I think it's related to my employer's security/anti-virus software, and I was able to unzip it with a different tool.

Thanks!

All comments

Megan

Hey @HP8, thanks for posting here today!

Do you happen to know approximately how many files you have in that folder, or the folder's size?

If I were you, I'd also try to download the folder using a different browser, and check if the results remain the same.

Keep me posted!

HP8

It's 220.87 MB and 216 files.

I tried it with a different browser just now and had the same issue.

Megan

Thanks for checking @HP8!

Can you also try to clear your browser's cache and try an incognito mode too?

Also, I know this might sound trivial but have you re-started your device at all?

HP8

I've actually figured it out since my last post! I think it's related to my employer's security/anti-virus software, and I was able to unzip it with a different tool.

Thanks!

Megan

Awesome news @HP8! 😀

Give us a shout if you need anything else!

Theresa

Hi @HP8, I am happy to hear you got your files unzipped and accessible once again. I'm Theresa, one of the Community managers here at Dropbox. I'm always curious about how people integrate Dropbox into their workflows. If you're open to sharing, I'd love to learn more about how you're using your Dropbox account.

Nirvaanatron

Hi, sorry to bother you but I have the exact same problem, would you mind telling me what tool you used if you can remember? Thanks

Walter

Hey @Nirvaanatron - sorry to jump in here, but have you tried any 3rd party app to unzip your file?

If you did and still get an error, you can try a web search for other ones to test.

Nirvaanatron

Will try that and get back, but I did notice that the size of the zipped file is about close to half of what the download should be. When downloading (and on dropbox) it says the right size, but when checking the files properties the size is significantly reduced. Not sure why that would be but if it works without deleting anything then i suppose its fine. Also thanks for replying and no worries.

Megan

Hey @Nirvaanatron, definitely give us a heads up.

It's also worth checking if the file contains all of your content, if not we're definitely here to look into this.

Thanks!

Nirvaanatron

Ok so I tried with 7-zip and when extracted the file is like giving an error but its also saying theres only one subfolder in the folder which is really weird but might be the reason why the size is so much smaller. Every time I redownload from dropbox it says the right amount though so idk where the error is happening. Should I file an actual help request or is there an easy solution?

Megan

Hey @Nirvaanatron, what is the size of the folder you're downloading from the web?

Also, do you happen to have any step-by-step screenshots, in order for us to have a visual into this?

Nirvaanatron

Ok so its a really big file but it’s because I had to transfer a lot of things from my old to new PC. The file size is 61.3GB but for some reason when I download it, the size is only 37GB. Additionally, when I try to extract it, only one of the subfolders (GoPro) is showing up, and it won't even let me extract that due to some error.

Megan

Hey @Nirvaanatron, can I send you an email, in order for us to investigate further?

Nirvaanatron

Yes, thank you. My email is [email removed as per Community Guidelines]

Megan

Awesome, @Nirvaanatron.

I just sent you an email.

Reply back to me, and we'll take it from there. Thanks a bunch!

TeAxolotl

Hi, sorry to jump in but I have the same problem.

Downloaded a 260 GB zipped file from Dropbox, but got a 47 GB file in my File Explorer downloads. When I tried to extract it, it's empty.

I downloaded this from an Opera browser, so I'm trying from a Google browser to see if there's any difference.