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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...
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
Super User IIIt'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.
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?
- Rich
travsformation wrote:
... 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."When that happens, rename the Dropbox folder to Dropbox2 or similar. Reinstall Dropbox and select the location that you want for the Dropbox folder, just like you did on the first OS, and let the installation create a new Dropbox folder. When the installation is finished, Dropbox will immediately start to sync. Exit the Dropbox application to stop syncing. Rename the new Dropbox folder to Dropbox_OLD and rename Dropbox2 to Dropbox. Re-launch Dropbox.
At this point Dropbox will begin indexing all of your files. This process will take a while, especially if you have a lot of data to go through. During this time it may say that files are uploading or downloading, but it's only transferring comparison data and any changes that it find. Be patient and LET IT WORK.And because it's worth repeating...
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 can't believe I didn't think of that! Great workaround, thanks! :)
I am just trying out your workaround. I hope it works for the computer has been syncronizing for an hour and not yet done. I had 60 GB of data and want to access them from a dual boot Windows-Windows computer. Nevertheless your idea deserved a try. Thanks !
anonymous wrote:... want to access them from a dual boot Windows-Windows computer. ...
Hi anonymous,
Please note that the above script work and is tested on Linux only. Probably, might be usable also on Mac with some adaptations. There is no any chance to be used directly on Windows! Windows API is completely different and only partially compatible with POSIX (the standard functions used in the C code). Also 'bash' script interpreter is usually not available on Windows, if not explicitly installed.
Unfortunately, this solution couldn't be usable for you. :disappointed_relieved: But you can get out the idea and port it. :wink:
