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All files in my Dropbox folder have the reparse attribute with System Extension turned off
I have two Dropbox accounts. Both have the System Extension disabled. However, when syncing on a desktop (Windows in this case), on one account, the Dropbox folder has the reparse attribute, as well as all files. I cannot remove this and should only be set if using the online-only feature. I want all files locally synced. I am syncing all folders and have nearly 1 TB of space left. (No folders are shared, files are taking up space)
Now I noticed when I try to set the sync state to offline only, it always goes back to online only, no matter how many times I've set it.
The reason this is a problem is I also use Backblaze, which cannot back up these files and folders. This behavior occurs on any machine I sync this account with. I can't remove the reparse attribute either-Windows just tells me access to the cloud file is denied.
My other account does not have this problem. All folders and files in this account are offline only and the reparse attribute is not set.
I have a ticket open with Dropbox, but honestly, I'm not expecting much from there. Does anyone have a similar experience?
I found the answer. When setting up Dropbox (in my case this was a software update), you have to opt out of "Dropbox for Windows Updates". That's what creates the reparse attribute. This is HORRIBLY named and doesn't suggest what it actually does at all. I had to resync my entire account (almost 3 TB) because of it. Now my backup software can actually read the files.
7 Replies
Wait, what? **bleep**....then it's either Dropbox or BackBlaze for me.
Apparently it will not be possible for long. Someone else explained that it is to do with Microsoft's new sync API called cloud files. So this might be out of dropbox's hands.
Keep in mind also that eventually you will be forced back on to the Dropbox for Windows Update as Microsoft has made it mandatory for any sync application to have full compatibility with the newer operating systems. Dropbox is slowly rolling out the update and it will eventually be required for Dropbox to run.
Copied from a comment on my post.
Heh, I'm glad this helped someone. The "support" I had was about the same as your experience. I swear they don't even bother to read or try to understand the actual issue. It was pathetic-like the rep I talked to couldn't be bothered to read what I was trying to tell her.
Anyway, if it helps anyone else out too-be sure to opt out of "Dropbox for Windows Updates"!
Thank you so much. This helped solve my issue. Backblaze wasn't detecting my dropbox folder at all because of this! I only had about 8GB in dropbox. I had moved everything important over to google drive before I saw this post.
When I opted out of "Dropbox for Windows Updates" during installation it now works. But I can't be bothered to move everything back from google drive now.
https://www.dropboxforum.com/discussions/101001014/backblaze-wont-backup-dropbox-folder-while-files-on-disk-are-flagged-as-online-o/838027/replies/838137
I made this post and this is the answer I got from dropbox, claiming that there is nothing that can be done and it's a windows thing!
- T_theresa_A
Community Manager
Hi emf27182 and welcome back to the Dropbox Community! 😊 It’s always a pleasure to see you here. Huge thanks for circling back to let us know how you solved your issue. Posts like yours are what make this space so valuable, and I’m sure it’ll come in handy for others facing something similar
I’m Theresa 👩💻, one of the Community Managers here in the forum. You’ll usually find me hopping into threads or sparking new conversations throughout the boards. Just out of curiosity... do you have a favourite Dropbox feature? I always love learning what tools are making a difference in your workflow.
Looking forward to hearing more from you,
T😸 (Dropbox Community Manager)
I found the answer. When setting up Dropbox (in my case this was a software update), you have to opt out of "Dropbox for Windows Updates". That's what creates the reparse attribute. This is HORRIBLY named and doesn't suggest what it actually does at all. I had to resync my entire account (almost 3 TB) because of it. Now my backup software can actually read the files.
