Need to see if your shared folder is taking up space on your dropbox đŸ‘šâ€đŸ’»? Find out how to check here.

Forum Discussion

revik345's avatar
revik345
Helpful | Level 5
4 years ago
Solved

Dropbox backup deleting the original files on my backed up PC.

If this is the way Dropbox backup is going to work I may seek a different solution.  Dropbox didn't just make a backup copy, it removed the files from my PC so that there is not a local copy.  Is the...
Computer Backup
Delete
Dropbox Backup
restore
  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    4 years ago
    revik345 wrote:

    Dropbox didn't just make a backup copy, it removed the files from my PC so that there is not a local copy.

    While the "backup" feature does move your key folders, they're still local. They've just been moved into the Dropbox folder which is still local to your computer and a regular folder like any other.

Rich's avatar
Rich
Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
4 years ago
Demoerin Delux wrote:

Please be aware there is a difference between sync and backup. ... You described sync not backup.

No, I described how the backup feature in Dropbox works, in relation to your key folders (Desktop, Documents, Downloads, etc.). They're moved to the local Dropbox folder so they can sync with your account online. Changes you make in your key folders are synced, like any of your other files or folders. It's not a true backup; never has been. Delete a file from your Desktop and it's deleted from your Desktop folder online. The main differences between sync and backup is that online, your key folders are stored in a special folder for your computer and there are different options for restoring those files.

Mayorbob's avatar
Mayorbob
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago

Dropbox did the same for my files...deleted the original. How do I get them back?

About Delete, edit, and organize

Solve issues with deleting, editing, and organizing files and folders in your Dropbox account with support from the Dropbox Community.

The Dropbox Community team is active from Monday to Friday. We try to respond to you as soon as we can, usually within 2 hours.

If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X, Facebook or Instagram.

For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.

If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!