Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: webdav davfs2 input/output error

Davfs2 input/output error on Linux box.com mountpoint

Quick Answer: Try setting the 'use_locks' option to 1 in /etc/davfs2/davfs2.conf and then restart the davfs2 service.

The webdav davfs2 input/output error can be frustrating when trying to access online storage through a Linux system. The issue affects users who have configured their Box.com account in the system's fstab file and are using davfs2 for authentication. Despite being able to mount and list files without issues, attempting to copy or modify files from the mounted folder results in input/output errors.

This problem can be particularly challenging because it requires a good understanding of Linux file systems, davfs2 configuration, and Box.com's webdav protocol. In this guide, we will walk you through the root causes of the issue and provide two primary methods to resolve the problem.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The first main reason for the webdav davfs2 input/output error is a mismatch between the davfs2 configuration and the Box.com webdav protocol. Specifically, the use of the 'use_locks' option in /etc/davfs2/davfs2.conf can cause issues when working with large files or directories. When 'use_locks' is set to 0, davfs2 assumes that the file system does not require locking for concurrent access, which can lead to data corruption and input/output errors.
  • Another alternative reason for this error could be a problem with the Box.com webdav server itself. It's possible that the server is experiencing technical difficulties or has been configured incorrectly, causing davfs2 to fail when attempting to connect to it.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Optimizing davfs2 Configuration

  1. Step 1: Edit /etc/davfs2/davfs2.conf and set the 'use_locks' option to a non-zero value, such as 1. This will enable locking for concurrent access, which can help resolve issues with large files or directories.
  2. Step 2: Update the davfs2 configuration file to include the following line: `davfs defaults -L /media/box` This will ensure that the davfs2 client is configured to use the correct mount point and protocol settings.
  3. Step 3: Restart the davfs2 service after making changes to the configuration file. You can do this by running the command `sudo systemctl restart davfs2`.

Verifying Box.com Webdav Server Configuration

  1. Step 1: Check the Box.com webdav server status to ensure that it is functioning correctly. You can do this by visiting the Box.com website and checking the 'Status' or 'Activity' page.
  2. Step 2: Verify that the Box.com webdav server is configured correctly by checking its protocol settings and authentication requirements. You may need to contact Box.com support for assistance with this step.

💡 Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the webdav davfs2 input/output error and access your online storage through the Linux system without issues. Remember to regularly check the Box.com webdav server status and configuration to ensure that any issues are resolved promptly.

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