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Joycegtx1951's avatar
Joycegtx1951
Collaborator | Level 8
2 years ago

File cannot be accessed by the system

I have a paid account from Dropbox Plus.  When I attempt to access some files in Dropbox, I get the File Cannot be Accessed by the System error.  This happens with all of my jpg and other photo files.  I have been able to access all of these files in the past.  It's only since I moved to Windows 11 that this has started. Any help is appreciated

  • The problem is fixed. I uninstalled Dropbox from my pc p, under my login and my husband’s login. I then deleted the Dropbox folder located in the user subdirectory on the hard drive. Rebooted and reinstalled. The only issue I have is that the thumbnails for photos stored on Dropbox do not show, only a folder icon. 

    thanks for your offer to help

  • project9it's avatar
    project9it
    New member | Level 2

    Issue: files in dropbox folder)s) showing grey x and receiving system error the "file cannot be accessed by the system".
    The correct solution is: confirm if the issue is only on one device or all. If just one device,
    1. uninstall dropbox,
    2. delete the dropbox folder.
    3. restart computer
    4. re-install dropbox
    5. log in and let files re-sync from dropbox server.

  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

    Joycegtx1951 wrote:

    When I attempt to access some files in Dropbox, I get the File Cannot be Accessed by the System error. ... It's only since I moved to Windows 11 that this has started.


    Right-click one of the files and select Make available offline, then try opening it again.

    • Hannah's avatar
      Hannah
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

      Hey Joycegtx1951, sorry to see you're having this issue.

       

      Can you please send us a screenshot of the error message you're getting and a screenshot of your right-click options?

       

      Also, what's the current sync status and version of the Dropbox application?

       

      You can hover over the Dropbox icon in your system tray for this info.

      • Joycegtx1951's avatar
        Joycegtx1951
        Collaborator | Level 8

        The problem is fixed. I uninstalled Dropbox from my pc p, under my login and my husband’s login. I then deleted the Dropbox folder located in the user subdirectory on the hard drive. Rebooted and reinstalled. The only issue I have is that the thumbnails for photos stored on Dropbox do not show, only a folder icon. 

        thanks for your offer to help

    • Joycegtx1951's avatar
      Joycegtx1951
      Collaborator | Level 8

      I tried to right click and the only Dropbox choice is "send with Dropbox transfer". No other options. The photo displays correctly in dropbox.com. And on my iPhone and iPad. The problem is Windows 11 explorer

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