Issue description

When sharing a Box folder with a user whose email is hosted in Google, for example @umd.edu or @terpmail.umd.edu, the recipient may encounter a 403 error after clicking the Accept Invite link in the invitation email.

This issue occurs when:

• A Box invitation is sent to a user who has not yet created a Box account.
• The recipient receives an email with the subject: (Person) has invited you to collaborate on Box, containing an Accept Invite link.
• The recipient clicks the link from within Gmail and gets a 403 error instead of accessing Box.

Getting this 403 error is a known issue we've reported to both Google and Box that we're trying to get escalated. It's an issue that affects every Box user, not just UMD's box account, that tries to invite any Gmail user not just UMD related accounts.

Workarounds

There are a few work-arounds:

• The fastest fix - instead of clicking on the link normally, right-click the link and open in a new tab or window. The link will then work successfully.
• Another option is for the recipient to log in to Box directly. Once you've logged in and your account is created, the folder will be shared with your account and visible from within Box. This is assuming you've created the Box account with the same email address that received the invite.
• A third option is for the recipient to create their Box account, then for the folder owner to remove and re-add the email address. This will cause Box to generate a different email, instead of an invite to join Box, it will be an email with the subject line "(person) has invited you to work together in (folder name) on Box" and the link will be titled Go to Folder. Clicking the Go to Folder link in Gmail will work.
• Another option is to use an alternative mail client, such as Apple Mail, Outlook or Thunderbird.

Summary

If you or your recipient encounter this Box sharing issue:

• Right-click the Accept Invite link and open it in a new tab.
• Log in to Box first, then try accessing the shared folder.
• Ask the folder owner to re-invite you after your account is created.
• Use a different email client if necessary.

We are actively working with Box and Google to get this issue resolved.