Error "Can't update <name>", what does it mean?

[posixltd]

"ICE01" is the name of multiple files, multiple folders, and also a computer we long ago stopped backing up to Dropbox.

1. How do we know which one of those it's referring to?

2. What is the location of the problem file/folder/computer?

3. What exactly does "update" mean?  (Which direction? When did it last succeed?)

4. How can I remove this error message?)

5. How can we find more information about this error?

[Jay]

Hi @posixltd, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Since you have multiple files with the same name, it isn't possible to determine which one it is. You should be able to locate the file or folder by the blue syncing icons.

Is there a backup for that machine on this page?

This will help me to assist further!

[posixltd]

Hi Jay,

Thank you for your prompt reply!

No, the machine does not appear on that page.

You say I should be able to "locate" the file/folder via the blue sync icon, but I can't find a way to search for it ("locate it"), so I assume you mean "identify it" when I locate it.  That implies I must manually browse our entire Dropbox to locate either the blue syncing icon or the red failed icon.  That would take a very long time.

Can you clarify if "can't update" refers to the remote file or the local file?

Thank you!

[Jay]

In general, that message would indicate something on the local machine that is trying to update and sync. 

Are you not able to search for the file in Explorer with that name to see which icon it has?

[posixltd]

Search results show only grey cloud icon for matching files and folders.

[Jay]

If you mark those files as available offline (assuming they're not too large) does this remove the message?

[posixltd]

Hi Jay, the file by that exact name syncs correctly if I make it available Offline.  The folder by that exact name is 4 GB.  The alert is no longer visible, but that may be because there is a new, unrelated alert and the alert area only is big enough to show 1 alert.  Is there a way to see older alerts?

[Jay]

No, currently it isn't possible to see older alerts on the desktop app. What message are you currently seeing in the desktop app?

[posixltd]

Two different messages.

1. Mouseover shows:

Sync issues shows:

I understand both of those messages.

[Jay]

For the first file ending in vbk, most likely another app or service is keeping that file active, or writing to is constantly. Could you try quitting that app and seeing if it syncs normally?

The same should apply for the second file, it's likely open in another app, or in use somewhere.