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"You cannot move this folder" Error Message

  • November 12, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 52 views
R

Receiving message “You cannot move this folder because either this folder or the destination folder is locked by another operation.” We have had this Box account for many years and have never received this message when moving folders - until a few days ago. I cannot copy the folder either - Similiar message received. There is no visible lock on either the source or destination folders.

We see online: “To fix it, wait for the operation to finish, close all related Box applications and processes” We’ve followed those steps to no avail.

We have plenty of space/GB available.

I see that this message from November 10th: “Critical Issues with Multiple Box Services...Impacting Box Web Application and Public APIs.” This is aroudn the same time we started experiencing this problem. Could this be related to our issue?

Further, we see no way to submit a Trouble Ticket on Box site!

Please advise.

    5 replies

    Rona Box
    • Rona Box
    • Community Manager
    • November 17, 2025

    Hi ​@rochesterrhapsody, 

    Welcome to Box Community, and we’re glad to assist! 

     

    This message means Box has put a lock on the source or destination folder because another operation is running on that same folder (examples: a large move/copy, a bulk delete, ownership transfer, or a sync/Drive operation). While the lock is active, Box prevents move/copy/delete/restore operations on those folders until the other work finishes.

    Why this happens: 

    • Large moves/deletes: moving or deleting very large folders is chunked and can take minutes–hours; Box locks origin and destination while the operation runs. 
    • Simultaneous bulk delete of parent/child items: a Delete All can try to delete a parent while a child is still being processed, causing “locked by another operation.” (Unable to bulk delete folders or files in the trash)
    • Sync / Drive activity or a local app holding files may cause locks or errors while Box processes changes.

    At this time, could you confirm if the error still appears? 

     

    We look forward to hear back from you! 

    R

    Yes, error is still occurring. I am not aware of a lock or any of the conditions you mention. Please advise. Thank you.

    1 Attachments
    Rona Box
    • Rona Box
    • Community Manager
    • November 18, 2025

    Hi ​@rochesterrhapsody, 

    Thank you for responding! 

     

    To further investigate, could you share both the folder IDs of the affected folder and the destination folder? To get the folder ID, select your folder and in the address bar copy the digits by the end of your URL link. 

     

    i.e. 

     

    We look forward to hear back from you! 

    R

    I need to move this sub-folder: https://app.box.com/folder/36751294 (“Warm-Ups, Rounds, Tags”

    FROM: https://app.box.com/folder/34564058

    TO: https://app.box.com/folder/30553566

     

    Sue

    R

    ?

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