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Unable to stop or turn off desktop backup [SOLVED]
A while ago I turned on the new 'backup desktop/documents/downloads' feature. Now I want to turn it off, but I can't. There's no obvious 'turn this feature off' button. All the instructions I've seen...
So, for anybody who happens to stumble upon this - here is how you can solve it.
1. Move your Dropbox folder - I found this solution accidentally, because my PC was getting full and I decided to move my Dropbox folder to another partition, but you could move it anywhere. Go into the Dropbox app, click on the picture of you, select 'preferences' , then 'sync' and then select the option to move your Dropbox folder. Just put it in a different location. Doing this will nuke your desktop. But do not panic. You will not lose any data.
2. Re-create your Desktop - i.e. make a folder called 'Desktop', in C:\Users\YourName\'.
3. Copy or move all your old desktop files from the Dropbox folder called 'My PC blah blah whatever \ Desktop' to your actual Desktop. This will get your desktop back, and Dropbox will no longer sync it, because it will be looking at the 'My PC' files.
4. Do steps 2-3 for the Downloads and Documents folders.
5. Get coffee.
This is all I see.
OK.
Click on Preferences, Backups, Manage backup, and you should be able to untick the folders you do not want to have backed up. Then click Save.
Take a look at this too: https://help.dropbox.com/installs-integrations/sync-uploads/computer-backup
Hope it helps.
Regards
Casper
Hi Caspar,
I know you're trying to help. But there is no 'manage backups' option either.
Also, having unchecked the 'desktop' etc boxes, my entire desktop has now disappeared.
I really don't want to be one of those people, but I've been using and advocating Dropbox for years and this is really bad.
OK this is what I think.
I can see the "set up" option at the top under "This PC". To me, it seems that backup is no longer set up for your computer.
How Dropbox backups works is that it MOVES the files and folders from your Desktop, Documents and Downloads folders into a new folder with your computer name INTO the Dropbox folder.
As the backup option looks to be disabled (not set up but my gut says it was before) the Desktop, Documents and Downloads folders will still reside inside your Dropbox landscape. You need to find the files, and move them back to their original location if the steps here did not work: https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-files-folders/How-can-I-turn-off-the-automatic-computer-back-up-feature/td-p/404895. Also look for the "Files on my computer" shortcut that should be visible on your desktop.
The files of the desktop for example should reside here (this is my location as an example): C:\Users\Username\Dropbox (Personal)\My PC (SURFACE)\Desktop
Hope it helps.
Regards
Casper
Thanks Caspar. I know it's not your fault, and you're doing your best to help. But this is an absolute mess from Dropbox. I've managed to get my Desktop back, but there's no way I can find to turn off the sync Desktop/Downloads/Documents option that doesn't just delete it all over again. I'm just going to live with this as it is, because the hassle of trying to fix it will take too long and I've got more important things to do. But this is an absolutely massive screw-up.
Thanks for your help anyway!
Have the same problem. I can untick the folders but than the 'save' option becomes inactive?
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