Forum Discussion

Laurie Willis's avatar
Laurie Willis
Iron Contributor
Nov 29, 2016

Can't see folders in the Group files list

Hi. Very simple question, how do you see folders in the Groups file list? If I go to 'Browse the Library' I can create a folder, but on coming back to the Files list that folder is not visible. Editi...
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  • Salvatore Biscari's avatar
    Salvatore Biscari
    Nov 29, 2016

    AFAIK this is the intended behavior: the new File experience is in practice a flat list of recent files.

    If you want to have a structured view of the connected Sharepoint doclib you have to choose "Browse the Library'.

     

Brent Ellis's avatar
Brent Ellis
Silver Contributor
Dislike this though. Would like to see maybe a choice. Lots of teams/groups still live and breathe in folders. SharePoint people have fought this battle for years, (folders versus metadata). This new Files view says screw both you guys, we wont use either!
Salvatore Biscari's avatar
Salvatore Biscari
Silver Contributor
Nov 29, 2016

I see it in this way: it's just a recent file list (including also files sent to the Group by email, which is fine) that is at hand while in the email client (i.e. OWA today and, I guess, Outlook tomorrow...). If what I want is a full blown access to the library, then I go to the actual library.

Otherwise, such view in OWA would be a redundant duplicate of the library view in SharePoint, don't you think so?

  • Brent Ellis's avatar
    Brent Ellis
    Silver Contributor
    Nov 29, 2016
    6 in one, half dozen in the other, as you seen in other comments, alot of people want quick access to the library (maybe they don't always need recent files), so many would prefer the library in the order in which they have pre-defined it. I would pose if you want to see recent activity, use the "Recent Activity" web part in the sharepoint site.

    Also, to avoid confusion, I think "File" should be renamed "Recent Files" or something like that then.
    • bart_vermeersch's avatar
      bart_vermeersch
      Steel Contributor
      Mar 01, 2017

      We get so many complaints and questions on our servicedesk of users who don't see all their files anymore when clicking on the Files tab. They are afraid losing files.

       

      So please make it more obvious what is shown or show everything!

      • StefanFried's avatar
        StefanFried
        Steel Contributor
        Apr 04, 2017

        I agree.

        "A normal user" which creates "folders" in a site, expects to see also the folder structure whenever he access them via the Files list.

         

        imagine if a user wants to upload a file via the file list --> he can't select a destination folder anymore  (completely different as he was used to it in the Library)

         

        In my opinion it would be nice to leave it up to the Group Owner:
        to switch this "view" between the flat structure or the full library structure.

  • Frans van Velzen's avatar
    Frans van Velzen
    Copper Contributor
    Apr 12, 2017

    Hi Salvatore,

     

    Why isn't it called the "recent files" list then? Why an extra step to see all information including folders? I think many users (what I hear from them) are confused by this choice. Can you reconsider your perspective on this issue?

     

    Kind regards

    Frans van Velzen

    • Salvatore Biscari's avatar
      Salvatore Biscari
      Silver Contributor
      Apr 12, 2017

      Hi Frans.

      I agree with you: it should be called "Recent files".

      Best regards.

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