API [Content] - 403 when creating file or folder

Problem Overview

When attempting to create a file or folder at the root level of a Box user’s account, Box returns a 403 error.

This is article is based on a specific cause for a 403 error, but additional causes of a 403 error exist.

Environment

Box Platform: API calls to create a folder via the folders endpoint, or to create files via the files endpoint at the root level.

Root Cause

The Admin Console enterprise setting, Restrict content creation, can cause this error.
This setting prevents creation of content at the root level unless the Box user is an admin.

Troubleshooting Steps

Confirm the Restrict content creation setting. If this setting is enabled, disabling it may resolve the error. Otherwise, you will need to upload the content in a non-root level folder.

To verify this setting:

1. In the Admin Console's left pane, click Enterprise Settings.
2. At the top of the page, click Content & Sharing.
3. In the Content Creation section, verify whether Restrict content creation is checked. If so, clearing this option may resolve the error.