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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 there a setting that I haven't found or is it intended to work this way?  Please let me know as this is not an acceptable approach.  


  • 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.

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  • Demoerin Delux's avatar
    Demoerin Delux
    Explorer | Level 4
    4 years ago

    Please be aware there is a difference between sync and backup.  Backup is when the files STAY on the backup drive (what ever you choose it to be).  You described sync not backup.  See the difference (you will see that there are one for storage, one for backup and one for sync):

     

    Cloud Storage

    Cloud Backup

    Cloud Sync

    What is its purpose?

    File Storage

    File Recovery

    File Mirroring

    How does it work?

    Makes the same files accessible from multiple locations, via the internet.

    Makes a snapshot of files from one device recoverable from multiple locations, via the internet.

    Makes your files in cloud storage accessible on your local device.

    What does it enable?

    • Access to files from multiple devices
    • Easy file sharing
    • Collaboration in real time
    • Recovery of accidentally-deleted files
    • Device recovery after a malware attack
    • Protection for all the files and data on your device
    • Store files in the cloud, but work on them locally in applications on your device
    • Save space on your local storage by making files online-only
  • 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?

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