I decided to write about this problem on my blog because EFS0.tmp and Dropbox are not associated on Google, and I personally had trouble finding a resolution to this issue due to some red herrings. For example, although EFS0.tmp or EFS1.tmp files are in Dropbox, they won’t show up in a windows search, nor will they be detected and deleted by using the delete command in command prompt. This can be really confusing because you may start to believe that the files that can’t be synced are on the Dropbox server instead. The only way to find these files reliably is actually to use the Dropbox syncing icons. More below.
Symptoms:
- Dropbox never finishes syncing
- Mouse-over dropbox icon says “Can’t sync EFS0.tmp; permission denied”
Resolution:
You need to add yourself to the Security or Permissions of these individual files, but first you have to find them. I’m using Windows 7; here are the steps.
- View your Dropbox folder.
- Look for folders or files that have the tiny blue “still syncing” icon overlaid over them. Use these icons to hunt down the files that won’t sync. I realize how simple this sounds, but it is an important detail that is easily overlooked and sometimes works more reliably than traditional troubleshooting methods.
- When you locate a file that won’t sync, such as EFS0.tmp, right-click on the file and enter it’s properties.
- On the security tab you may notice that the file may be owned by SYSTEM and no one else. This is why the file cannot be deleted. Use the Edit button to Add yourself (or Administrators) to the permissions list for the offending file. Be sure to give yourself Full Control.
- You may now delete the file effortlessly.
Please be advised, EFS temp files are related to the “Encrypting File System” feature of Windows and if you are using this feature they may serve a purpose. In my case, I wasn’t using this feature and I have no idea why a few of these showed up in my Dropbox. Your situation may be different.
Please take a moment to read this!
Did this article help you out? I’m a tech writer and I do this in my free time. The way I make money is when attractive people like you simply click this link to buy something for yourself at Amazon.com! It makes me money and costs you nothing extra. You can bookmark it too and you’ll know you’re helping me out every time you shop. Win-win.
What if you don’t have the EFS0.tmp file; only the folder states its syncing (no files within folder are actively syncing); and none of the files in the folder follow #4?
Hmm. It isn’t clear why you might be having an issue. I would trust whatever error that Dropbox is telling you. It isn’t clear if you’re getting the classic “Can’t sync EFS0.tmp; permission denied” error that I was getting (shows up in the context menu you get from the gear icon, beneath the percentage space currently used.) The error should tell you what is wrong and I trust it.
If you aren’t getting an error, here are some wild guesses to consider: It could be that a really big file that is incoming from the server and hasn’t arrived yet; It is currently being sequestered in a tmp folder until it is ready. Besides that, Windows OS may have an icon issue and it might be solved with a reboot. Finally, this can take some time, but as a last resort you can also unlink and link Dropbox on your PC and it will cause it to re-evaluate every file (you do this from within the Dropbox app in the settings.) Beyond that, Dropbox support might be the way to go.
I couldn’t see the EFS0.tmp file in Explorer but when I navigated to the folder on the command line, there it was. I deleted it and that fixed the issue. Thanks!
These EFSn.tmp files are hidden by default. If you’ve not told Windows Explorer to display hidden files, you’ll see a folder with a blue “syncing” icon on it, but no obvious files inside causing the issue.
I have the EFS0.tmp error message. I have “show hidden Files” selected, but I am unable to locate any EFS0.tmp files. Any ideas?
I recommend using my original technique of following the Dropbox folders that have the blue syncing icons on them. It is simple but it worked for me.
I have told Windows Explorer to display hidden files, when I open a folder with a blue “syncing” icon on it, there is no obvious files inside causing the issue… all have the green check mark and no EFSO.tmp files are visible.
Maybe try pulling out all the files you can see. See if problem continues. Then try deleting the offending blue folder. If it works, put all your stuff back and hopefully the problem will be solved.
Excellent instructions. Thanks! You solved my issue. Bookmarking your site for Amazon link … and just to peruse sometime.
Thanks! I’m glad we were able to help each other out.