A Dropbox update moved the location of my files while they were open and caused issues

Question

Dropbox automatically moved the location of my files on Mac during the day while Dropbox files were open in multiple applications, which caused unnecessary disruption. A change this significant should not happen automatically without clear advance notice and a chance to close affected files first.

Walter · Answer

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on this with us @PC348.

Let me know if you have anything else to add.

PC348 · Answer

Yes, this was the File Provider update.  I haven't found any lasting damage so far, but I had quite a few files open when the update occurred.  I also found that apps that seemed to be saving to Dropbox, because they had prior to the update, weren't actually saving to Dropbox.  I haven't really found where those files went, but I realized the issue soon enough that I could get things saved properly.

I have no argument about the location of files moving, but it's beyond me how Dropbox could think that it was OK to make that change while files were in use.  Someone simply wasn't thinking, in my opinion.

Hannah · Answer

Sorry to hear about this, @PC348, and thanks for your feedback.

Are you talking about the update to the File Provider version of the Dropbox app or about something else?

Is everything okay with your files now or are you having any issues?

Let me know!