Forum Discussion

peterj62's avatar
peterj62
Explorer | Level 3
2 years ago

How can I keep my files and folders online-only?

I want all Dropbox files and folders to stay online and not on my MacBook which is full.

In 'Manage hard drive space' I have ticked them as online only but they later reappear on my MacBook as offline, crashing apps and closing down the MacBook.

How do I ensure they stay online only?

19 Replies

  • Hannah's avatar
    Hannah
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Thanks for the step-by-step update on this, Peter!

     

    In this case, I'd like to go back to my first reply and ask you to check whether you have any:

     

    - Backup services

    - Antivirus

    - Recently used file lists

    - Third party applications that monitor files in general

     

    If you do, I'd suggest you perform a test and temporarily quit or disable applications systematically, until you see that the issue is resolved. 

     

    The last application that you closed when the issue no longer occurred, may be the one performing this action.

     

    Let us know what you find.

  • peterj62's avatar
    peterj62
    Explorer | Level 3
    2 years ago

    Hi Hannah,

    No, I'm not aware of having any of these services or applications.

    I also don't believe that I have ever had online only working so this has always been an issue.

    Peter

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Hello from me too peterj62!

     

    If you access your General tab online, what do you see under "Dropbox system extension"? 

     

    Is the setting enabled? 

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Hey peterj62, would you mind hovering your mouse over the little Dropbox icon on your menu bar, next to your WiFi and checking the version you're using? 

  • peterj62's avatar
    peterj62
    Explorer | Level 3
    2 years ago

    Dropbox 202.4.5551

    It says it's 'Up to date'

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Hey peterj62, would you mind uninstalling and then re-installing the app please? 

     

    If this doesn't work, I'd be happy to send you an email, in order for us to have a closer look into this. Let me know! 

  • peterj62's avatar
    peterj62
    Explorer | Level 3
    2 years ago

    Hi Megan, I have uninstalled and then reinstalled the app but sadly the same thing happens - I move folders and files to online only but they are then immediately synched/copied onto my hard drive.  My email address [removed per the Dropbox Community Guidelines]

  • Hannah's avatar
    Hannah
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Thanks for trying, Peter.

     

    I just emailed you, so we'll continue investigating internally.

     

    Cheers!

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