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Niall D.'s avatar
Niall D.
Helpful | Level 6
12 hours ago

I can't back up the Documents folder, if the Dropbox folder is on the D\: drive.

Device
Omen 17 laptop
Operating System/Browser (if using the web)
Windows 11
Dropbox App Version (if using the app)
244.4.6580
Syncing Status
"Up to date"

Question or Issue
I moved Dropbox to my D\: drive in order to clear space on my C\: drive

I had to disable backups to make the move

I then received an email telling me 4680 files were deleted

I try to enable backups for Documents and it won't, stating 'Dropbox and folder are on different drives'

I move Documents (Properties > Location > Move) to
D:\Dropbox\Documents (2026)
It won't backup, stating 'Not in default location'

Is it possible have have Dropbox on the D\: drive and make backups of Desktop, Documents and Downloads?

I'm concerned that my files are being deleted according to the email I received.

Can someone please help?

desktop
Dropbox Backup
restore
sync

13 Replies

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  • Hannah's avatar
    Hannah
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    10 hours ago

    In this case, I'm afraid not, Niall.

    The backup folders need to be on the same drive as the Dropbox application, so you'd need to move the Dropbox folder back to its default location to be able to back your folders up.

    I'll make sure to pass your feedback along to our team about this, though and if you have other questions, feel free to let me know.

  • Niall D.'s avatar
    Niall D.
    Helpful | Level 6
    11 hours ago

    On the events page it shows I deleted the files on 20 March, this would be when I moved Dropbox to D/: and had to disable backups.

    I want to keep Dropbox on D/:, does this means I can't make backups?

  • Hannah's avatar
    Hannah
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    12 hours ago

    Hi there, Niall D., thanks for taking the time to post to our Community!

    What you're describing is actually the expected behavior when it comes to the backup feature.

    You can only back up files and folders from the drive with the Dropbox app installed on it (in this case your C: drive).

    Also, the folders need to be in their default location for you to back them up, so this is why you're facing these issues.

    Regarding your deleted files, can you go to your events page and let me know what you see?

    Thanks in advance.

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