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Question

Unable to download whole folder

  • May 22, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 30 views
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Seeing as I can't create a support ticket with the basic account, I'll start here.

I'm trying to bulk-download a whole folder of images. I can download single and grouped (using shift+click) images, but when I try to download the whole folder I receive this error message: "Problems downloading archive".

I've also attempted downloading a zip archive of the folder using the Box API. I've gotten all the way down to getting the zip download URL, but it doesn't work. I've tried using GET but the download_status indicates there are zero total files. When I paste the zip download URL into my browser, it downloads a zip but the zip is empty.

FYI the folder size is 15.7 GB.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

    5 replies

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    Hi Jacob, 

    Welcome to the Box Community and thanks for posting!

    If you are downloading a folder that is greater than the allowed limit, then this error would be expected. You would need to download the contents or subfolders within this folder separately and make sure that each download will not exceed your limit.

    I would also recommend reviewing this article on Common Issues with Downloading Files for some tips when downloading items in Box.
     
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    Hi France,

    Thanks for the response. The Box folder owner split their content into two folders that are each under 15 GB in size. I can now successfully download the content by clicking the download button - so great start!

    However, what I really need is to download the content to a remote server, which is why I'm ultimately trying to use the API. When I use the "Create Zip Download" call, I successfully get a download_url. Unfortunately, when I try using the "Download zip archive" call, it runs as though something should happen, but I get nothing. When I use the "Get zip download status" call, it indicates that there are zero files/folders to download.

    Any ideas what might be happening there?

    Thanks

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    Edit: my first response is still pending approval as of this posting.

    Also, my download speed with Box is super slow, running at a high of 700 kbps. I've tried restarting my computer, restarting router, using alternative browser with no plugins or firewall. My network download speed, according to two tests, is running at 100+ mbps, so it seems that my issues are specific to Box?

    I ran connection diagnostics but don't know how to interpret the results.

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    Hi Jacob, 

    For API issues, I highly recommend posting your questions in our Platform and development forum so our specialist and experts can look into your use case share their insight.

    For the connection diagnostics test that you ran, please go ahead and submit a ticket to our Support team on this page so they can help you investigate and look into the results that you've gathered.

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    Thanks France, for your help so far. I'll make a post in the Platform and development forum for my API issues.

    I'm looking at the "Submit a request" page and it seems that only Paid and Enterprise accounts can submit tickets - I have a basic account. Am I missing something?

    Thanks,

    Jacob

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