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jazzmeg1's avatar
jazzmeg1
Advanced | Level 16
2 years ago

Unknown folder and icon in my desktop app called Dropbox cache.

Hello I just noticed there are a folder named ".dropbox.cache" and a file icon named "desktop" in my desktop app. What are they? Why did they appear all of sudden? Thanks
Desktop
  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    2 years ago
    jazzmeg1 wrote:

    I don't know why those two icons are in my Desktop app folder.

    Aside from being hidden, the desktop file is actually called desktop.ini, and is a application settings file that controls how a folder appears in Windows. If you enable the display of file extensions, instead of hiding them, you'd see the full file name. It's part of Windows; not Dropbox. You'll see the same file in many folders throughout your computer.

Megan's avatar
Megan
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
2 years ago

Hi jazzmeg1, happy Monday, I hope you're doing well! 

 

The cache folder is used as a staging area to sync files to and from your account. Dropbox keeps a cache of files hidden in your Dropbox for efficiency and for emergency purposes. 

 

Now, as for the desktop icon on your desktop app, I'm guessing it could be a program file, but please feel free to send me a screenshot, in order for me to have a visual of this. 

 

Keep me posted! 

  • jazzmeg1's avatar
    jazzmeg1
    Advanced | Level 16
    2 years ago

     

    Hello Megan,
    Thank you for getting back to me.
    I don't know why those two icons are in my Desktop app folder.
    They were not there before. Both appeared at the same time.(about a week ago or so)

     

     

    • Jay's avatar
      Jay
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
      2 years ago

      Hi jazzmeg1, these are hidden files, which won't be visible in normal settings on an OS. Have you enabled the visibility of hidden files on your OS?

      • jazzmeg1's avatar
        jazzmeg1
        Advanced | Level 16
        2 years ago

        Thank you for the information, Jay
        I will look into it.

        Thanks.

    • Rich's avatar
      Rich
      Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
      2 years ago
      jazzmeg1 wrote:

      I don't know why those two icons are in my Desktop app folder.

      Aside from being hidden, the desktop file is actually called desktop.ini, and is a application settings file that controls how a folder appears in Windows. If you enable the display of file extensions, instead of hiding them, you'd see the full file name. It's part of Windows; not Dropbox. You'll see the same file in many folders throughout your computer.

      • jazzmeg1's avatar
        jazzmeg1
        Advanced | Level 16
        2 years ago

        Hi Rich,
        Thank you for your explanation.
        I went to Settings>For Developers>Change settings to show hidden and system files and fixed the problem!
        I am puzzled because I don't remember that I enabled the file extension display.

        Thank you again!

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