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Forum Discussion
You can't share a folder that contains a shared folder - BUT I AM NOT!
Really confused! I need to give access to someone to collaborate but when I try to do this it says 'You can't share a folder that contains a shared folder' and only gives me the option to send them the link (which I have but it is not ideal). I feel sure that I have not previously shared any of the sub-folders and when I click on the sharing option at the side it does not show that any of these folders haver been shared. How can I solve this so I can share the folders inside. It is folders containing audio recordings from an App we have purchased called ALON Dictaphone.
Would really appreciate advice to solve this.
Phil
If you're getting a message that you can't share a folder because it contains or is a member of another shared folder, then there's another shared folder. It's as simple as that. Look at the Sharing page for a list of your shared folders. If there's one listed, even if you're not sharing it with anyone (i.e. you're the only member) it's still considered a shared folder.
you cant share a folder that IS in a shared folder either.
Yes understand that how do we escalate please?
1) you said "we even deleted all shared folders"
2) you said "we do not have any shared folders within the folder"
1 is not the same as 2, 2 implies you have other shared folders.
So I said if a parent folder is shared it wont work either, are you sure there are none?
Additionally : is the folder your trying to share a app folder by any chance?
aka One of the folders created by 3rd party applications?
-- to escalate --
You submit a ticket in the support section.
YES trying to share a 3rd party application folder
You cant, its a shared folder between you and the application access system.
Sorry should have mentioned that earlier :(
Only mechanic to get around it is if you can give the application global dropbox access.
I have fought this battle also, was totally confused. And I am embarrassed to admit that in the end I indeed did find another shared folder somewhere stashed away as a sub-sub-sub-folder. Much to my surprise.
How do I give the application global dropbox access?
- Rich
Super User II
How do I give the application global dropbox access?
That's something specified by the developer at the time the application is created within Dropbox. Once an app has reached production status, its access type cannot be changed.
Got the solution ...
Simply go to the "Sharing page", you will see a list of all you shared folder. You will see folders that are shared "JUST YOU". Those folders are still considered shared folders.
1. Click on "Share" on the Left hand side to see sharing options
2. Click on "Unshare folder" at the Bottom Right hand side
So, now the folder will be kept on your dropbox but will not be a shared folder anymore.
I followed the directions above but STILL am unable to "unshare" previously shared folders so I can share the parent folder. Frustrated.
If I may, this entire hang-up is inhibitory. Why impose this anti-sharing rule in the first place? Why not allow us more freedom and control over how we share?
