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My files/folders started re-syncing on their own and I can't make them available offline.

For reasons unknown, Dropbox opted to re-sync all files and folders. After waiting hours for this syncing process to complete, countless files and folders still show in Windows Explorer that the folder is awaiting syncing (the two circular arrow lines).

All of these folders/files need to be available offline but I see now way to initiate a sync for these folders/files. What am I missing?

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Nancy

Thanks for posting on our forum, @RichG_FL, and welcome aboard.

Is there any chance these are the circular arrows that you keep seeing next to your folders in File Explorer?

If yes, then it sounds like your desktop app recently got the Dropbox for Windows update.

Can you clarify the current syncing status of your Dropbox app?

If you right-click on these files/folders, is there any option to make them available offline from your context menu?

Keep me updated.

RichG_FL

Nancy:

Thank you for the assistance. Yes, the circular arrows are the icon you suggested. Based on clicking on the Dropbox icon in the system tray, Dropbox reports that "Everything is up to date."

When I right-click on those files/folders with that icon and chose the Dropbox options, I only have three (make online-only, view on Dropbox.com, or manage hard drive space) or six options (copy Dropbox link, Tranfer a copy, Make online-only, View on Dropbox.com, Share, and Manage folder access). I should state I have have plenty of space (343 GB of free hard drive space), and I want the file/folder available offline. I do not see that option.

Megan

Hey @RichG_FL, let me jump in here!

Is it possible that you don't see the option to make the folders available offline, because this is their current state?

Have you tried quitting the app, and re-starting it again?

One last thing: Would you mind sending over a couple of screenshots of what you see when you right click on the folders, in order for me to have a visual?

RGarrityFL

Megan:

It appears that only folders are showing the circular arrow icon. If I drill down on the folder, it seems that all of the files have the green checkbox icon in the status column. In the details window of Windows File Explorer under "Availability Status" for the folder displaying the circular arrows it says "sync pending." This seems odd as all files and subfolders appear to be synced. Below is a screen shot of what happens when I click on the Proposals folder.

Here is the status:

I hope this helps. I have used Dropbox for years and it works so seamlessly in the background I never had to develop any skills in using the application.

vladgasan

Hi there @RichG_FL, thanks for sharing the issue you're seeing with folders showing a syncing icon even though the contents appear fully synced.

This behavior is something we're aware of, and in most cases, it's related to Windows' built-in Indexer taking time to catch up with recent changes in Dropbox. The good news is that your files are likely already synced, as confirmed by the Dropbox Tray icon.

Here are a few steps you can try, listed from least to most disruptive:

Give it a bit more time. This issue often resolves on its own once the Windows Indexer finishes processing. If the Dropbox tray says “Up to date,” your content is synced, and the folder icon should update shortly.
Move the affected folder out of your Dropbox, wait for Dropbox to register the change and finish syncing, then move the folder back in. This can help reset the folder status.
Sign out and sign back into Dropbox. During sign-in, use the “Advanced settings” on the final screen to select a new location for your Dropbox folder.
- You can also check the box to opt out of “Dropbox for Windows updates” in the same Advanced settings screen. This can help in some persistent cases, but it's the most disruptive option and takes the longest to apply.

Let us know if any of these suggestions help, and thanks again for bringing this up!