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Can't make computer backup accessible from mobile
Hey,
I used to be able to rightclick a file anywhere on my computer and select Backup to Dropbox, but not anymore (after a reinstall).
I had my entire desktop and some folders in documents synced automatically, every file had the green check and was available on the mobile app as well.
The Dropbox folder on my pc was always empty, I never put anything inside, yet all my files were being backed up. When I updated a file, it got synced almost immediately and I didn't have to have a documents folder on my computer and another one in Dropbox.
How do I make the files from my pc remain on my pc (as in not have a duplicate in Dropbox) but also available in real time from my phone/account? I don't even have the green check anymore. The folders that show as backed up now are not even visible on the mobile app. How do I make it work again?
5 Replies
- Nancy
Dropbox Staff
Thanks for posting on our Community, MihaiCosmin.
Can you let me know the OS version of your computer, as well as your current Dropbox app version, and syncing status?
I’d also like you to click on this link, and send me a screenshot of what you see on this page.
Finally, you mention that you no longer see any syncing icons next to your files. Can you add a small file within your local Dropbox folder, as a test, and let me know if any syncing icon appears next to it after that?
Keep me posted.
Hey, Nancy
My OS version is Windows 11 Pro 23H2. I'm not sure how to check for the app version, but I reinstalled it yesterday. I stopped all syncing and deleted my PC backup so nothing shows up at the link you provided.
About the syncing icon, I do see it if I add a test file or folder in the Dropbox folder of my windows user. I just don't have the option to back up and sync anything on my computer, I can only sync something if I move it to the Dropbox folder (and I don't want to move anything).
I can completely reinstall Dropbox and follow a step by step guide if needed, I just want to be able to rightclick anything, no matter where it's located, and have that file available from my phone at all times.
Thanks.- Nancy
Thanks for the additional info, MihaiCosmin!
I asked for a screenshot of your Backups page before to see if you were using Backup Beta. If you were, then you could back up any folder that’s located under the Home directory of your computer, and nothing would get moved to your local Dropbox folder.
As for the mobile app, there should be an option for backups on your Account tab, but this works more like an entry point, and you’d be redirected to the Dropbox website to view your backed up content after that.
