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External drive auto backup
Can anyone please advise how I set up external drive auto backup? I originally saw the box pop up, asking if I wanted Dropbox to automatically back up the drive, but I clicked No. Now I've changed my...
- If any other users are experiencing a similar issue, we recommend following this solution:Can you please first eject the external drive, then sign out of the Dropbox application, sign back in, insert the external drive, then check to see if you receive that original prompt? This should help resolve the issue.Instructions on how to sign out of the Dropbox desktop application can be found below:
- Open your Dropbox desktop app preferences.
- Click the Account tab.
- Click Sign out.
I have also been unable to get clear (admittedly clear to me, a non-specalist!) information or help from Dropbox.
I have at least reached the point where, in my Preferences, I have removed the option of automatic synchronisation of Desktop and Documents, which took me far beyond my limit on the Basic Version. Only Downloads remains, and I actually download into a folder in Dropbox, so the hard disc folder remains empty.
Before I found out how to do this, Dropbox used to start downloading so many things from my hard disc that I was quickly over the limit.
Why don't I move to a higher option? Well, I use Dropbox strictly for safeguarding the files I am working on or recent ones, and about once a month I transfer all completed work to the hard disc. This takes a bit of time, but gives me a chance to revise what I am keeping. I also keep two copies on external hard discs (using AllwaysSync for this synchronisation). In other words, I use Dropbox on line, and all my other content is stored locally.
Thank you for your reply, DenisM5. It helps to hear that you've been unable to get a clear response either. I'll stop wasting my time beating that bush. I too have two local backups. A sync'd cloud backup of my external drive seemed like a good part of a disaster plan, especially since I have plenty of room in my Personal Plus plan. I'll look elsewhere for options.
- Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey everyone, how are you today?
I went through your comments, and I am here to help as much as possible. You mentioned that you've contacted our Support team, right?
If so, would you be able to provide your ticket numbers, just so I can have an idea of all the troubleshooting steps you've followed?
Thanks, keep me updated!
Good morning, Megan: I assume from your response that you are a Dropbox employee who is able to do something about resolving this issue. Is that a correct assumption?
I was sent a link to a desktop application update by one of the support people with whom I conversed. I’ve installed it, signed out of Dropbox via Accounts, restarted my computer, made sure that "Show setup notifications when new external drives are plugged-in” is selected, plugged in my external drive, which is formatted HFS+ and connected via a USB-C cable, and still it is not recognized. I’ve looked for it from within the desktop app preferences and also opened my account via the website. I've been trying to resolve this issue for 3 days without success. It's been a waste of my time. I'm moving on to looking for other solutions.
- Megan
Hi Frostinite, thanks for writing back to me, and informing me of this.
You're correct, and I'd be more than happy to continue looking into this for you, if you want. Provided that you have an active ticket number, have you responded back to it?
Feel free to send me the number here too if you wish to continue troubleshooting with us.
The ticket #19482924 I received this yesterday without the issue having been addressed. I replied that I had been very dissatisfied with my experience.
I received this yesterday without my issue having been addressed . . . I replied to the questionnaire that I was "very dissatisfied".
I found an email from Nathaniel this morning providing me with a link to install an updated version of the Dropbox desktop app. My reply to that email today: "Thank you for the link to the desktop application update, Nathaniel. I’ve installed it, signed out of Dropbox via Accounts, restarted my computer, made sure that "Show setup notifications when new external drives are plugged-in” is selected, plugged in my external drive, which is formatted HFS+ and connected via a USB-C cable, and still it is not recognized. I’ve looked for it from within the desktop app preferences and also opened my account via the website The problem is NOT resolved. I give up! This is a waste of my time!!"
- Hannah
Hey Frostinite, thanks for the ticket number.
I completely understand your frustration.
From what I can see, the agent on your case has replied back to you, so please make sure to get back to them, so they can continue assisting you.
