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Hannah's avatar
Hannah
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
3 years ago

Re: Stop syncing a drive but keep the files in Dropbox

Sorry to jump in, DioNik, how are you today?

 

I'm afraid that if the drive remains plugged in and the backup feature is still enabled, the drive will keep syncing.

 

Alternatively, you could copy the files into your Dropbox folder, allow them to sync and then remove them with selective sync, like Walter suggested.

 

I hope this helps!

4 Replies

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  • DioNik's avatar
    DioNik
    Explorer | Level 3
    3 years ago

    Yes that may be a good solution. Thanks! It will take some time, but it will do it.

  • MikeInFL's avatar
    MikeInFL
    New member | Level 2
    3 years ago

    Question.  What would happen in this case if user changes the D drive to a different drive letter?  Say to F ?

     

    Would dropbox backup detect that the D was changed to F and still sync/backup the files on it?  Or would it act as if D was simply not connected?

     

    If it acts as if D is not connected then the files are still on Dropbox backup, and the user can then delete the files on the F (which was D)?  Later if the user wants access to the backup files they would need to rename the F back to D, or add a new drive D.   Is this correct?  

  • hynekel's avatar
    hynekel
    New member | Level 2
    3 years ago

    Copying 82GB of files onto a laptop to stop Dropbox syncing them is a little silly. There must/should be a better way to turn on/off sync of specific folders once they start syncing. If not, please develop. Its needed. Thanks!

  • hynekel's avatar
    hynekel
    New member | Level 2
    3 years ago

    FOUND IT!!!

     

    Here's how to Stop syncing to PC:

     

    Choose which folders to store on your hard drive

    Note: You must install the Dropbox desktop application to use selective sync. 

    To choose which Dropbox folders to store on or remove from your computer’s hard drive:

    1. Open your Dropbox desktop app preferences.
    2. Click the Sync tab.
    3. Under Selective Sync, click Choose folders (Mac) or Selective Sync… (Windows).
    4. Check the folders you’d like saved on your hard drive. Uncheck the folders you’d like removed.
    5. Click Update.

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