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Shared link asks viewers to request access. Why does this happen?
Greetings. I have a shared file set to be viewable by anyone with the link, and I've sent the link to those I want to view the file (see screenshot). However, when they access the link, Dropbox states they "do not have access to this file" and offers the option to request access, which I must individually approve. I have other files configured with these same settings, and those with whom I've shared those links can access them without any separate approval. I don't know why this particular file is different. Am I missing something?
Hi skepticalthinker ,
Jumping in here as a Product Manager for Dropbox Sharing to help out Hannah. Reading through your thread, this is very strange indeed. You've done everything right and I appreciate your patience in working through what is no doubt a frustrating experience. The best I can suggest here is to contact support for help. They'll be able to go through your specific situation and troubleshoot your specific link. Sharing a View Link with access set to "Anyone" should allow anyone - signed in or not - to access a web based preview of your content, and then from there to take further collaborative action like downloading, asking to join the content, etc.
Jason
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- Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi skepticalthinker, thanks for bringing this to our attention.
When you shared the link to the users, did you just copy and paste it exactly as the site generated the link?
If you view the link in an incognito/private browsing window in your browser, without logging into your account, are you able to view the file normally?
This will help me to assist further!
Thanks for your interest Jay. Yes, I copied the Dropbox-generated link and emailed it to those I wished to share the file with. After the first one or two requests to approve access, I opened a private browsing window in Firefox to test it, and it took me right to the file. That’s why I'm confused.
- Hannah
Hey skepticalthinker, sorry to jump in here, but did you initially create the link through our website or through your local Dropbox folder?
Thanks for your interest Hannah. I always create links (and do all my sharing) via the Dropbox website.
- Hannah
- Hannah
Thanks for checking, skepticalthinker.
Would you mind asking your recipients for a screenshot of what they see, when they click on the link?
I’ll see what I can do, Hannah. I think most of them have already requested access and viewed this file, but the next time someone asks for approval, I will post here.
Many thanks again!
- Hannah
Not a problem, skepticalthinker!
The thread will remain open, so whenever you can, just get back to us with any updates.
Thanks again and have a great weekend!
- when i click on a link previously emailed to me, it tells me i don’t have access to the file, because i’m signed in under (my email address). this was the address that the link was sent to and the one that’s always worked so why is it now not letting me? if anyone knows ways around this that would be very helpful, thanks!
