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Forum Discussion
Backed up files/folders can no longer be shared
Hi, I'm using Dropbox on a Mac with Monterey. I have everything backed up to Dropbox & until today I was able to share files & folders simply by clicking on "copy Dropbox link". Today this feature...
Jay
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffHi wuthelotus, thanks for the screenshots.
Currently, it isn't possible to share files or folders in a backup, for your own security and privacy.
If you want to share files, you'll need to move or copy them to a folder outside of the Backup elsewhere on your Dropbox account.
Hi Jay,
What I donât understand is why this option, which you say is impossible to have for backed up files & folders, was working just fine until literally yesterday & is still working for other people I know who use Dropbox. The only explanation I can come up with is that this is a new feature that has somehow become functional for me before other users. If so, I canât understand why you wouldnât announce such a massive change, in any way whatsoever, to your paying customers. Itâs an important change and, for me personally, a dealbreaker. The main reason I chose Dropbox over other similar services was that I could keep my files & folders in their native locations (Documents, Downloads etc.) & they would still be synced up with Dropbox & accessible on all my devices. I have no interest in keeping everything I work on in a generic Dropbox folder, I want to use the document structure of my computer. Which, I repeat, I was able to do until yesterday.
I would like to understand when this change has been made & if there are any plans to reenable sharing for files & folders set up via backup. If not, I will reconsider my Dropbox subscription.
Thank you.
Alina
I have the same Problem! Sharing was working fine until it was not anymore. And i have no idea why. Very annoying. Pease Dropbox, explain what happened to this feature!
Hi Maxbee. Since I made this post they've also replied to me via email, and it seems as if this feature was planned (secretly, I guess) and is here to stay. They claim people were misusing the sharing feature with files that were private, sensitive, whatever. It sounds like bull to me, honestly, and even if it were true I don't understand why everyone else has to suffer because some people don't know how to use the internet. Also, the fact that they couldn't be bothered to announce what is, IMO, a huge change in how backup works, is disappointing to say the least.
I've looked into alternatives and Sync.com looks really promising, I just haven't had the patience to move everything over from Dropbox yet. But I'm really not happy with how they handled this, so I'm definitely exploring other options.I have the same problem and with no warning, I have posted on a couple of different subjects as I really need this feature re-enabled. I also can't believe that they did this with no waring whatsoever. I pay a couple of hundred pounds a year for pro version etc.. and use it in exactly the same way as you do and now.......
Dropbox, please re-enable this feature using a checkbox (with a big fat warning if you must) as it really is a dealbreaker
thanks
Dan
Hi ya all đ
If you want, ask dropbox here https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-desktop-client-builds/Beta-Build-149-3-4541/m-p/596935#M6915 to bring this feature back. Maybe if enough people request we have a chance...
best!
Thanks for the suggestion, it's worth a try đ
- Megan
Hi everyone, I hope you're doing well!
Keep in mind that our Dropbox Backup product is designed to protect the content of your device. As a result we prevent sharing so you donât accidentally give access to your sensitive content. Backup is not designed for collaboration, unfortunately.
If you need to share content, you can continue using our file sharing services within Dropbox, outside of the backup content.
Give me a shout if you need anything else.
