Why does my files I put into datadir don't appear in ownCloud?

Problem:

I’m putting files on operating system into the datadirectory but they don’t appear within the WebGUI of ownCoud.

Description:

Manually modification within the datadir is unsupported as stated in the documentation:

https://doc.owncloud.org/server/9.1/admin_manual/issues/general_troubleshooting.html#debugging-sync-issues
https://doc.owncloud.org/desktop/2.2/troubleshooting.html#isolating-other-issues

Alternatives:

  1. Use a WebDAV client to access your files as described in https://doc.owncloud.org/server/8.2/user_manual/files/access_webdav.html From command line (on the same server for example) you can use a client like “cadaver”.

  2. Use the “External storage support” App:
    https://doc.owncloud.org/server/8.2/admin_manual/configuration_files/external_storage_configuration_gui.html
    You can create a folder like /mnt/ocupload, mount that folder with the local option:
    https://doc.owncloud.org/server/8.2/admin_manual/configuration_files/external_storage/local.html
    and put the files into the folder /mnt/ocupload. If they don’t appear make sure you have followed:
    https://doc.owncloud.org/server/8.2/admin_manual/configuration_files/external_storage_configuration_gui.html#adding-files-to-external-storages

  3. Use alternative WebDAV mount methods like dav2fs, gvfs or similar