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We keep having problems with users using Box Drive on Windows who forget what folders they are allowed to save files to.  E.g. they  edit a file in, or save a file to, a folder that they only have viewer access to.  The file IS saved, and Box does flag an error, but most users don’t understand the error and/or ignore it.  The file is resident on the local disk of that user but it is not uploaded to the Box cloud, not available to others, etc.

It would be helpful if the write permission to such a folder was denied, i.e. if the user were to get an error on the save that said “you can’t write here”, then they’d be aware of the error and could go and save their file wherever it is that they are supposed to be putting it.  Is there any way to do this using the permissions in Box Drive?  Question for both Windows or MAC.  Thank you for any suggestions!

Hi ​@NSCFPD 👋 Welcome to the Box Community!
 

In Box Drive, there isn't a specific "prevent saving locally" feature that directly stops users from saving files in folders they shouldn't modify. However, there are some ways you can manage user access and permissions that can help control which files and folders users are allowed to modify.
 

Folder Permissions and Error Message

  • Set Folder Permissions: You can manage folder permissions (Viewer, Editor, Co-Owner, etc.) at the folder level. See Understanding Collaborator Permission Levels to learn more.
     
  • When a user with Viewer access tries to edit a file, they get an error (e.g., “Insufficient Permissions to Upload File” or “Read Only: Upload Failed (Error Code: 07)” as defined here: Miscellaneous Box Drive Error Notifications), but it doesn't prevent them from saving the file locally or provide the specific “You can’t write here” message that you'd like. However, Box doesn't prevent local saves to a restricted folder, it just doesn’t upload the changes to Box.

    While this approach doesn't prevent local saves, it might reduce confusion if users understand they can only view the files.

 


Clear Folder Structure

  • Organize your folders with clear naming conventions (e.g., adding "Read-Only" or "View Only" to the folder names). This way, users can better understand where they can and can’t make edits. See Plan Your Folder Structure to learn more.


Feel free to share your ideas, feature request, and feedbacks in our Box Pulse. Our Product Team continues to evaluate our customer’s ideas and this will definitely help us shaping the future of Box. 🤗

Thank you.  The ability to prevent local saves, if at all technically possible, would be a helpful enhancement.  I have posted the request in Box Pulse.

Great! We appreciate your time sharing this idea in Box Pulse.


Have a great day and Happy Holidays! 💙

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