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Pascale2's avatar
Pascale2
Helpful | Level 5
7 years ago
Solved

Folder upload fails on Dropbox.com

Hi, I just started with Dropbox Plus. I tried to upload large folders to Dropbox, which took quite a long time (sometimes about 2 days for some of the folders).  When the uploading was finished, I ...
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  • Chris_J's avatar
    Chris_J
    7 years ago

    There is.  Theres a feature called Selective Sync.   In the settings, you go to Sync tab, and go to Selective Sync.  You select which folder that you WANT to see on your Hard Drive.  The folders that is not picked, the Client will delete from Harddrive but will keep on the cloud.  This sounds like what you want.

    More info here: https://help.dropbox.com/installs-integrations/sync-uploads/selective-sync-overview

Fiona's avatar
Fiona
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
7 years ago

Thank you for the screenshots Pascale2. 

Adding to Chris_J's response. I see the amount of files you are trying to upload and I wanted to note that Dropbox.com has a size limit for uploads. Files must be 50 GB or smaller for this to work. The desktop would upload them all in one go, but if you want to keep using the website there are a few things you could try: 

  • Upload smaller batches of files.
  • Clear your browsers cache.
  • Restore the browser back to its default settings and disable any browser plugins.
  • Try incognito/ private browsing window :sunglasses:

Hope this helps. I would love to know you managed to upload your files. 

Get back to us whenever you get the time to try any of the steps provided. 

Thanks!

Pascale2's avatar
Pascale2
Helpful | Level 5
7 years ago

Thanks Chris and Fiona for your answers. Uploading from the Dropbox Dekstop actually worked just fine!

I have another question though: I dragged my files from my Finder to the Dropbox Desktop.  I thought my computer files would be copied to Dropbox. But they disappeared from my Finder to move to Dropbox. 

I guess that how it should be??? Just checking before I go on...

Thanks!!

  • Chris_J's avatar
    Chris_J
    Icon for Super User alumni rankSuper User alumni
    7 years ago

    Hello Pascale2

    I am happy that you are making progress in getting Dropbox to work for you.  You must remember that your Dropbox folder is just a folder like any folder on your Mac.  When you drag files off the Dropbox folder, it will delete them from Dropbox and any linked devices and shared folder.  So if you want to keep them in Dropbox, don't drag them off but do a copy and paste. (or press option key while dragging files off, this will keep a copy in the original location

    When you installed the Client, it installed it in the default location in your User folder unless you specified a different location.  Your Desktop is a different location than your Dropbox folder.  Another way to access it is to create a favorite in your finder window. Or you can click on Dropbox icon in your menu bar and click on the folder icon.

    Most people, including me, work off the Dropbox folders.  Another word, we keep the files inside our Dropbox folder.  When we are done with the files, we save it and the changes will automatically sync with Dropbox servers and to any linked Devices and any Shared folders.  It works beautifully.  The only thing to worry about is having the file open on two different locations at the same time.  Then you will have conflicted copies.  But that's, not the normal circumstances.

    I hope this helps

    • Fiona's avatar
      Fiona
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
      7 years ago

      Have a nice week Chris_J , Pascale2 ! :slight_smile:

      Chris nailed it explaining the basics, for you to get a better understanding of the Dropbox desktop application! :sunglasses: I only wanted to add that dragging from another folder (from your finder) to the desktop app folder, would move the files and not copy them. The files are still saved locally, but only in Dropbox that is actively syncing them online as explained. You can go on with your syncing :arrows_counterclockwise:!

      Hope you are up to date by now! :white_check_mark:

      No worries for conflicted files Pascale2. Use the Dropbox badge to know if the file is open and edited by another location! Read about it here. :wink:

      Please get back to us with any questions or concerns! We'd be happy to discuss all. :nerd:

      • Pascale2's avatar
        Pascale2
        Helpful | Level 5
        7 years ago

        Thanks a lot for your help!!

        I have a few more questions:

        -I am working on a Photoshop file on my MacBook from the Dropbox folder. But my computer is getting really slow. The bamboo pen of my Wacom tablet also sometime stops responding. How can I make sure I use Dropbox files  with the same work flow that I am used to?

        - On the Dropbox app of my hone or IPad Pro, I can not see some files, whereas I can see them for my Dropbox folder on my MacBook. How can I solve this?

         

        Thanks !!!

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