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I get this error "too long path name" and I can't copy paste my files to an external hard drive.
I’m aiming to create a backup of all my files from Dropbox to an external hard drive. I used the copy-paste method to transfer all the files, but while some files were copied, not all of them were, and I keep getting an error message regarding "too long path name."
Could you please assist me in resolving both issues:
- Ensuring a full backup copy on my external hard drive.
- Fixing the "too long path name" error.
Thank you for your help!
- Nancy
Dropbox Staff
Thanks for posting this on our Community, dghobrial!
Just to make sure I got it right, you have the Dropbox desktop app installed and you're copy pasting your files from your local Dropbox folder to your external drive, correct?
Are you receiving the "too long path name” error for all files that can't get copied to your external hard drive? Does the error appear when trying to paste them on the drive or are you taking a different action when it appears on your screen?I’d also like a screenshot of it to have a visual.
Give me a nudge when you have more info.
Thanks Nancy
Yes, I'm trying to copy all our Dropbox files to an external drive as a backup. However, I’m getting a “too long path name” error for some files, but not all. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a screenshot when it happened, and I just skipped those files. I’m not sure which ones exactly. I’ll need to restart the process, but I want to make sure I avoid the same issue next time. Would it be better to do the copy directly from Dropbox online? Also, should I copy all the files at once or do it in smaller subfolders? Thank you again for your help!
- Hannah
Hey dghobrial, I hope it's okay for me to jump in here.
This particular error is coming from your computer's OS and not Dropbox, but I would suggest taking a look at this article that has some more info and steps, to see if they help.
