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Ron J.'s avatar
Ron J.
New member | Level 1
10 years ago

Can't Open a DropBox link sent to me

I am trying to obtain a retirement interview video file that the sender can open with their link and drop box account, but the file cannot be opened by me at my end.
I do not know if it is a firewall issue, but I can't open the link on my end?
I get a response saying it is a "local file" and it cannot be opened. Here is the link:
file://R900E6BR/Users/am1113/Dropbox/File%20May%2012,%2010%2043%2001%20AM.mov

  • The person that created the link did not do it properly. That's a link the local file on their computer, not to the file on Dropbox. They need to follow the process described here:

    https://help.dropbox.com/share/create-and-share-link 

     

    Mod note: edited to update link in post. [last updated 2022]

  • I too keep getting asked to download dropbox, just to view a link.  What I am getting from all the comments is that the user set up the link incorrectly? 

    From the second part of your post, the user sent you a shared folder invite, not a shared link.  Shared folders require a Dropbox account in order to accept the invite.

    Also, now that I have downloaded dropbox, I keep getting messages that I have run out of room and have to upgrade for a fee.  I can't even open the new flies my vendor is sending me due to this issue. Anyway around paying for upgrade?

    Shared folders count in full against your account (you aren't accessing files in another persons account, you are accepting them into your account), which is why your account will run out of space if you accept the invite - there is no way around this, you need to ask the sharer to send you a shared link instead.

     

     

    [This thread is now closed by moderators due to inactivity. If you're experiencing a similar behavior, feel free to start a new discussion in the Dropbox Community here.]

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

    The person that created the link did not do it properly. That's a link the local file on their computer, not to the file on Dropbox. They need to follow the process described here:

    https://help.dropbox.com/share/create-and-share-link 

     

    Mod note: edited to update link in post. [last updated 2022]

  • Richard P.'s avatar
    Richard P.
    Icon for Super User alumni rankSuper User alumni

    I too keep getting asked to download dropbox, just to view a link.  What I am getting from all the comments is that the user set up the link incorrectly? 

    From the second part of your post, the user sent you a shared folder invite, not a shared link.  Shared folders require a Dropbox account in order to accept the invite.

    Also, now that I have downloaded dropbox, I keep getting messages that I have run out of room and have to upgrade for a fee.  I can't even open the new flies my vendor is sending me due to this issue. Anyway around paying for upgrade?

    Shared folders count in full against your account (you aren't accessing files in another persons account, you are accepting them into your account), which is why your account will run out of space if you accept the invite - there is no way around this, you need to ask the sharer to send you a shared link instead.

     

     

    [This thread is now closed by moderators due to inactivity. If you're experiencing a similar behavior, feel free to start a new discussion in the Dropbox Community here.]

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

    No. 

    That means the owner has deleted the file or revoked the link. 

    You need to contact them and ask for a new link, 

  • Mirela M.'s avatar
    Mirela M.
    New member | Level 1

    hello,

    I cant open the link sent to me in email, by Dropbox...while opening it is directing to DropBox Pro download. Can you please help me?

  • Ron J.'s avatar
    Ron J.
    New member | Level 1

    That file had to be deleted. I only have so much space in my drop box account. I always tell people that any files from my personal account will be deleted in the next month. What is the video you are looking for?

    My current account is almost at the max, so I have to see what can be removed in order to send you the video you are looking for.

    Ron J.

     

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

    Mirela

    It's likely that the link is wrong (it's either an invite to join a shared folder that will consume more space than you have on your account or a link to somewhere else in Dropbox).

    Make sure your colleague is sharing a link to the file you need. Here's how to do it: https://help.dropbox.com/files-folders/view-only-access

  • Shireen H.'s avatar
    Shireen H.
    New member | Level 1

    I too keep getting asked to download dropbox, just to view a link.  What I am getting from all the comments is that the user set up the link incorrectly? 

    Also, now that I have downloaded dropbox, I keep getting messages that I have run out of room and have to upgrade for a fee.  I can't even open the new flies my vendor is sending me due to this issue. Anyway around paying for upgrade?

     

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