Box - Shared Link Not Working

Issue/Question

  • I shared a file or folder in Box but the share link is not working
  • When I try to access a shared link, I get "Oops! We can't seem to find the page you're looking for."

Environment

  • Oregon State University
  • Employee, Student or Associate
  • Box

Cause/Explanation

There are two ways to share a file or folder in Box: via collaborators, or via a share link.

When you add collaborators to a folder, those individuals can access the folder at the same URL (web address) that you do. When you create a sharing link, however, you need to provide that link to anyone who is not set as a collaborator.

  • Collaborator links look like: https://oregonstate.app.box.com/folder/xxxxxxxx
  • Share links look like: https://oregonstate.box.com/s/xxxxxxxx

Resolution

File Owners

If you are the owner of the Box files, follow these steps to provide the correct shared link:

  1. Right-click on the shared folder or file and choose "Share"
  2. Click to enable the shared link if it is not already turned on
  3. Click "Copy" next to the shared link
    • You can adjust who can use the shared link here as well
  4. Send the shared link to the people who need to access the folder or file

File Viewers or Collaborators

  1. If you need to edit the files, ask the owner to make you a collaborator. 
  2. If you need view or download access only, ask the owner to send you the shared link following the steps above.

 

For assistance, contact the IS Service Desk.

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