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Forum Discussion

JOHN HOWKINs's avatar
JOHN HOWKINs
Explorer | Level 4
5 years ago

how to stop dropbox syncing files

Dropbox is immediately syncing all new downloads and then, if I move a download out of Dropbox, Dropbox says it will delete it on all devices.  The result is I can't use downloads.  I have just been sent some files for an article I am writing, and Dropbox is stopping me use them.  I know this is a common problem but I can't find a solution.   I can't cancel Dropbox, I can't use my files. I could pay more, but the same problem will arise in a few months. Please help.

  • Hi JOHN HOWKINs; thanks for posting on our Community!

     

    Regarding your first concern, it seems like you enabled the computer backup feature which allows you to backup some of your computer's OS key folders (e.g. Downloads, Desktop and Documents).

     

    Can you take a look at the relevant documentation and let us know if it helps improve matters at all? 

     

    As per your additional query, note that the message you get is referring to deleting the file(s) you're moving out of your Dropbox folder on your computer from any Dropbox platform, be it the desktop app, the mobile one or our website; not from your computer's hard drive. 

     

    I hope this helps to a certain extent and please let us know how you get on, John. 

     

    Thanks!

     

    PS: I merged your posts under the same thread to keep things neat in our Community; I hope you don't mind. 

  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Hi JOHN HOWKINs; thanks for posting on our Community!

     

    Regarding your first concern, it seems like you enabled the computer backup feature which allows you to backup some of your computer's OS key folders (e.g. Downloads, Desktop and Documents).

     

    Can you take a look at the relevant documentation and let us know if it helps improve matters at all? 

     

    As per your additional query, note that the message you get is referring to deleting the file(s) you're moving out of your Dropbox folder on your computer from any Dropbox platform, be it the desktop app, the mobile one or our website; not from your computer's hard drive. 

     

    I hope this helps to a certain extent and please let us know how you get on, John. 

     

    Thanks!

     

    PS: I merged your posts under the same thread to keep things neat in our Community; I hope you don't mind. 

    • JOHN HOWKINs's avatar
      JOHN HOWKINs
      Explorer | Level 4

      Many thanks for this. I have managed to stop the syncing of all downloads. 

      And thanks for merging the two threads.

      Problem solved

      • Walter's avatar
        Walter
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

        Thanks for the speedy response, John; I'm glad to hear it's sorted now.

         

        See you around the Community and enjoy the rest of your day! 

    • Pua F.'s avatar
      Pua F.
      Explorer | Level 4

      I followed the steps in the relevant documenation to turn off computer backup. The "Backups" tab does not offer "Manage Backup." If I click on the offered "Setup" it does not offer to let me unclick "My PC" folder.  I unclicked all the folders being synced there, but I cannot then save that setting.

       

      This is eating up so much of my time!

  • JOHN HOWKINs's avatar
    JOHN HOWKINs
    Explorer | Level 4

    I have a problem with Dropbox syncing files and saying if I use them (ie, take them out of Dropbox) it will delete them.

    I am thinking of cancelling my subscription, stopping the syncing, and then rejoining. 

    Does anyone know what happens if I cancel my subscription? Can I keep my files?  Or does Dropbox delete them?