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Forum Discussion
David C.118
9 years agoExplorer | Level 4
Dual booting with shared DB drive possible?
I am looking in to buying a new laptop and will need to dual boot Windows and Ubuntu. I am planning three SSD's - one for Windows, one for Ubuntu and one as a shared data drive. Is it possible to...
- 9 years ago
It's very possible, just not supported or recommended.
Install Dropbox and use the Advanced Options to specify the location for your Dropbox folder. Allow it to sync completely. Boot into the other operating system and install Dropbox, again using Advanced Options to specify the same Dropbox folder. Dropbox will index your files when the installation is complete, but shouldn't need to sync anything unless there have been changes (though it may appear to be syncing, just let it work).
It is extremely important that you DO NOT USE SELECTIVE SYNC from either operating system when running in this configuration. If you do, you WILL lose files.
I would also suggest never booting into the other operating system until you're certain that the current one is fully synced. Also, as always, keep your own backups of your data.
Rich
Super User II
9 years agoIt's very possible, just not supported or recommended.
Install Dropbox and use the Advanced Options to specify the location for your Dropbox folder. Allow it to sync completely. Boot into the other operating system and install Dropbox, again using Advanced Options to specify the same Dropbox folder. Dropbox will index your files when the installation is complete, but shouldn't need to sync anything unless there have been changes (though it may appear to be syncing, just let it work).
It is extremely important that you DO NOT USE SELECTIVE SYNC from either operating system when running in this configuration. If you do, you WILL lose files.
I would also suggest never booting into the other operating system until you're certain that the current one is fully synced. Also, as always, keep your own backups of your data.
travsformation
8 years agoNew member | Level 2
This doesn't solve the problem. Once dropbox is installed on one of the OS's, and the Dropbox folder is moved to the shared partition, the Dropbox application on the other OS won't allow you to use that same folder as your Dropbox directory: it issues a "This folder already contains a Dropbox directory" error and can't change the default location." This happens regardless of whether you install Dropbox on one OS first, or on the other.
It would be extremely useful, both for space-saving, and convenience. Is there a way around this?
It would be extremely useful, both for space-saving, and convenience. Is there a way around this?
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