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timpsmith's avatar
timpsmith
New member | Level 2
2 months ago

Dropbox taking up "System Data" even when using online-only files on external drive?

Hi there! I'm setting up a new system and I'm trying to keep the internal hard-drive clean, with lots of free space by using an external drive for my Dropbox and other data. I'm keeping the internal...
desktop
Mac
Storage space
timpsmith's avatar
timpsmith
New member | Level 2
2 months ago

It's only my OS and Applications on the internal drive. Dropbox folder is on the external drive. Why  is Dropbox (slowly) eating through space on my internal drive as "system data" when a) most of my dropbox files are "online-only" and b) my Dropbox is located on the external drive.  It may be important to note that the Dropbox application — not to be mistaken with the Dropbox folder, is installed on the internal drive.

  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    2 months ago

    Yes, that would be expected as it can only be installed on your computer's primary drive timpsmith 

    That said, I'm afraid I can't really tell if Dropbox is taking up your hard drive's space by your screenshot. Why do you believe that Dropbox is taking up so much space on your computer if your files are online only and on your Dropbox folder located on your external drive? 

    Is the app 'up to date', by the way, or still syncing?  

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