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ns213's avatar
ns213
New member | Level 2
2 years ago

Unable to rename a file after copying it from another file

Hi,

 

I created a copy of a file in my dropbox folder using the Macos Finder. However, I am now unable to rename the new file via the Finder. I can rename via the command line (`mv` command), but that's not really a great situation.

 

Also, if I try to delete the file, it asks me if I want to permanently delete it, instead of the expected behavior which is to move it to the trash.

 

Can you help me understand why this happens, and how to avoid it? Thanks!

  • MarcinZ's avatar
    MarcinZ
    New member | Level 2

    I've had what seems to be the same issue, multiple times. Today I decided to look into it and found this thread.

     

    In a sub-folder on Dropbox, I had "FILE.pdf", when I right-clicked on it I saw options like "Rename" and a bunch of Dropbox-specific actions.

     

    When I did "Duplicate" on that file, "FILE copy.pdf" appeared. Right click on it, and I don't see "Rename" nor Dropbox actions.

     

    I played with it, and after I made the entire folder "Make available offline", once it fullysynced, the problem disappeared. But it was super annoying.

  • marc74's avatar
    marc74
    Explorer | Level 4

    Having the same issue. Only started to happen about a few months ago.

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

      Do you mind sharing a few more details, marc74? For example, are you having trouble renaming a specific file on your Dropbox account? 

       

      If yes, is it a copy, like the OP mentions? What happens exactly, when you try to rename it?

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

    Hi there ns213, sorry to hear you're having issues with this.

     

    Can you please clarify what happens when you try to rename the file in your Finder? Are you getting any particular errors? 

     

    Does the issue persist when you quit the Dropbox desktop app?  

     

    When it comes to the notification about deleting files, does it have an option to 'never show' it again? 

     

    Any additional information or screenshots are more than welcome!

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