Troubleshooting: Dropbox error "directory name is invalid" and other Dropbox folder questions - Summer 2024

Issue

On July 20th, 2024, Dropbox reorganized the folder structure for Dropbox for Business users. This resulted in the file paths for many files changing. Shortcuts, links, and bookmarks for files and folders will need to be updated.

New File Structure

Dropbox has reorganized its file structure for all Dropbox for Business files. Before, when you opened Carleton College Dropbox, you'd see a mix of team folders and your own folders. Now when you open Carleton College Dropbox you'll see a folder with your name on it (which holds all of your files and files shared with you) and then any/each of your Team Folders (which you have access to because you're a member of that team).

Screenshot of new file structure in dropbox

Because all URLs and shortcuts on your computer list out every folder on the way to your file so that your computer knows where to look for that file, this change will cause many of your old links/shortcuts to result in error messages.

Solution

Don't worry, your files are not gone! They are simply in Dropbox's new file structure that's breaking people's shortcuts, links, and bookmarks.

Finding new URLs in Dropbox Online (click to show/hide):
  1. Find the file in Dropbox online (link opens in new tab)
    • Search using the main Dropbox search 
    • click on All Files in the left-hand navigation bar
  2. Copy the new URL from your browser's address bar

Updating Shortcuts for Dropbox Files synced to your Computer (click to show/hide):

Step 1: Ensure that Dropbox has finished reorganizing your files on your computer

If you open the Carleton College Dropbox folder on your computer, you should see a top-level folder with your name on it, and you may also see top level folders for any Team Folder you are a member of.

  1. Force Dropbox to Sync
    1. Near your computer's clock (both Mac and Windows), click on the Dropbox Icon to open the Dropbox syncing window
    2. Right-click on your profile icon at the top right of the Dropbox sync window
    3. If Dropbox needs to sync, the option Sync will appear here; otherwise proceed to Step 2.
    4. Wait for Dropbox to finish syncing. This may take some time.
  2. If Syncing fails, quit and restart Dropbox
    1. Near your computer's clock (both Mac and Windows), click on the Dropbox Icon to open the Dropbox syncing window
    2. Click on your profile icon at the top right of the Dropbox sync window
    3. Click Quit
    4. In your applications folder (on a Mac) or your Start Menu (on Windows), click on the Dropbox application to relaunch it.
  3. If restarting Dropbox fails, uninstall and reinstall Dropbox
    1. Uninstall Dropbox using Dropbox's instructions (link opens in a new tab)
    2. Reinstall Dropbox using our local instructions (link opens in a new tab)

Step 2: Update Shortcuts

You'll want to delete old shortcuts and create new ones to reflect the new folder structure. Most shortcuts to files that are not in Team Folders will now have your name in the file structure right after Carleton College Dropbox (i.e. .../ijastram/Carleton College Dropbox/Iris Jastram/...).

Finding the new file location:

  1. Find the file
    • Search your folders for file names
    • Open Finder (on a Mac) or File Explorer (on Windows) and click on the Carleton College Dropbox folder. You should see a folder with your name on it that contains all your personal files and all the files shared with you. You should also see any Team Folders of which you are a member.
  2. Create shortcuts
    • On Mac: click Create Alias to make a new shortcut
    • On Windows: click on Show More Options and then click on Create shortcut
  3. Move your new shortcuts to the desired location

Need Help?

Please contact the ITS Helpdesk for assistance: go.carleton.edu/helpdesk or 507-222-5999

Was this helpful?
0 reviews
Print Article