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RailingSystems's avatar
RailingSystems
New member | Level 2
8 years ago

Dropbox says another user is viewing/editing a file, but he is not.

When I open some of my company's Excel files, Dropbox's badge indicates my coworker is viewing and/or has unsaved changes. But looking at his PC, he doesn't have Excel open and the Excel lock files are not in the directory with the original files. 

Any suggestions?

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  • RailingSystems's avatar
    RailingSystems
    8 years ago

    I stopped and restarted the sync on the other's PC, and that seemed to fix the problem. But that was a sort of desperation move, as the Dropbox app and token on the file said that all files were synced. Still curious how it could happen, but I am restored to functionality.

  • RailingSystems's avatar
    RailingSystems
    New member | Level 2
    8 years ago

    I stopped and restarted the sync on the other's PC, and that seemed to fix the problem. But that was a sort of desperation move, as the Dropbox app and token on the file said that all files were synced. Still curious how it could happen, but I am restored to functionality.

    • DenDiMarco's avatar
      DenDiMarco
      New member | Level 2
      7 years ago

      I have the same symptom in that Dropbox incorrectly says an unsaved version of a file exisits, but the file has been saved and closed by the person it identifies. This just started yesterday.

      How does one stop and restart the sync process? (I don't have a Dropbox icon in my system tray - maybe because of a 20 GB Dell offer Dropbox Tray icon, which I didn't need since I already have a popaid 1 TB subscription to Dropbox - and which I uninstalled just now.)

      If posisble, please replt yo [personal information removed by moderator for security reasons]

      I've tried to attach a png of the incorrect message, but it appears to have casued "an unexpected error".

      • lucypartyton's avatar
        lucypartyton
        New member | Level 2
        7 years ago

        We also have had this error messages starting just over a week ago. Very annoying and each time it is a false alarm. How can we avoid it please? Thanks

  • Jane's avatar
    Jane
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    8 years ago

    Hey RailingSystems, 

     

    Great question, I’d be glad to investigate some possible causes with you. 
     
    Just as a point of reference, could this user have got multiple devices connected to his/her account, hence accessing the files from a different location? 
     
    Secondly, I'm afraid to say that maybe some users in your team share credentials, so this might appear confusing on your end. 
     
    To clarify this, you could create an Activity audit for the file in question through the admin console, that would definitely shed some light on the case. 
     
    If you need more details, please let me know here! 
     
    Warm regards, 
    JaneA 
     
     

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