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Rob72's avatar
Rob72
Explorer | Level 4
6 years ago

.iCloud files, how can we open them and how do we stop it from changing?

Hi Guys, we have a business DB account, and more frequently we are finding files are turning into .iCloud files, is there a way we can stop this happening and also the files that are showing as iClou...
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  • Jane's avatar
    Jane
    6 years ago
    Thanks for getting back in touch with me here Rob (Rob72)! To re-iterate my previous message, kindly bear in mind that these files are mere placeholders that have been synced instead of the original file. In order to gain some insight, I’d suggest checking back at the Version History of the file in question on your account online (tip: it’s on the on the 💬 ). 
     
    I hope that this helps you determine the most appropriate next steps & please do let me know here if you have more questions about any of the above & I’ll check back with you asap!
Jane's avatar
Jane
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
Hey Rob (Rob72), it seems that the file that you're referring to seems to be a file generated by iCloud, as it's possible that iCloud generated a placeholder of the original file when you moved it to iCloud originally.
 
If this was the case, the placeholder file could have been created prior to you adding it to the Dropbox folder, in which case the iCloud placeholder has been synced to Dropbox instead of the original file.
 
Since this pertains to an implementation that Apple made on the latest versions of macOS, I’d suggest running a search on our preferred browser, that will bring up some results pointing you towards the best next steps to get going on this matter. 
 
Additionally, I’ll leave this question open to our Community of users; maybe someone could offer their insight on how you’d best go about on this query. I’m always here in case you have more Dropbox-related questions or you’d like to share your thoughts & I’m wishing you a lovely rest of your day! 
Rob72's avatar
Rob72
Explorer | Level 4
6 years ago

Hi Jane, thanks for the reply, but the issue is the files were not originally placed by me they were originally created or uploaded through another team member and the files existed as standard doc, xls, ppt, etc...Now for some weird reason they are turning in to iCloud files which no one in the team can open?

Thanks, 

Rob

  • Jane's avatar
    Jane
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    6 years ago
    Thanks for getting back in touch with me here Rob (Rob72)! To re-iterate my previous message, kindly bear in mind that these files are mere placeholders that have been synced instead of the original file. In order to gain some insight, I’d suggest checking back at the Version History of the file in question on your account online (tip: it’s on the on the 💬 ). 
     
    I hope that this helps you determine the most appropriate next steps & please do let me know here if you have more questions about any of the above & I’ll check back with you asap!
    • trishhansn's avatar
      trishhansn
      New member | Level 2
      6 years ago

      Did this ever get a firm resolution??

      • Jane's avatar
        Jane
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        6 years ago
        Hey trishhansn, thanks for checking in with us on the Community! Now, your best course of action to resolve your concern would be reaching out to apple directly for guidance regarding this matter Trish, as they should be able to advise you accordingly. 
         
        Hopefully this points you towards the right direction & please do let me know if you have more questions! 
    • andyve's avatar
      andyve
      Explorer | Level 3
      6 years ago

      IF THESE .ICLOU FILES ARE PLACEHOLDERS, WHY ARE THEY THE SAME SIZE AS THE ORIGINAL FILES?

      • Rich's avatar
        Rich
        Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
        6 years ago
        andyve wrote:

        IF THESE .ICLOU FILES ARE PLACEHOLDERS, WHY ARE THEY THE SAME SIZE AS THE ORIGINAL FILES?

        They likely aren't the same size. The operating system is probably reporting the true size of the original files, rather than the actual size of the placeholder.

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