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CloudStorage Folder on Mac - Duplicate Dropbox Folders
I have recently updated Dropbox to the latest version (v172.4.7555) whereby the location of my Dropbox folder has moved to the 'CloudStorage' folder within Library on Mac OS (Ventura 13.3.1).
For some reason there are now two Dropbox folders within the CloudStorage folder. One of the folders has the blue dropbox icon and is just named 'Dropbox', and the other looks like a normal system folder and has been named 'Dropbox (20-4-2023 10/03 pm)'. See screenshot below.
The latter of the two (the normal system folder) appears to be a copy of the Dropbox folder with same contents as at the time of the update/migration to the CloudStorage folder. They are no longer exactly the same due to changes since the migration. Dropbox appears to be working fine and is syncing from the first folder with the blue icon.
Perhaps the copy folder was created as a backup during the migration I am not sure? I would like to delete this second duplicate folder as it takes up a lot of storage space, however want to make sure my files won't be affected. It would also be good to know I haven't lost any files during the migration.
One issue that makes me nervous is that the Music app on my MacBook Pro is linked to and playing files from the second duplicate Dropbox folder, not the Dropbox folder with the blue icon. These same music files are in the blue Dropbox folder and it should be linking to them, not the duplicate folder. This makes me worry what else might be linking to the duplicate folder that would be affected if I delete it.
If anyone can provide info on why this duplicate folder was created, can confirm I can delete it safely, and can also confirm how I can check I didn't lose any files during the migration, it would be much appreciated.
Many thanks.
15 Replies
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- Hannah
Dropbox Community Moderator
Before you delete anything, Tim, can you make sure that you have all your files saved in your account online?
If you could also send us a screenshot of both the old and the new Dropbox folder, to compare, it would be really helpful.
Hey Hannah,
I've done some more clicking around and noticed that some files hadn't synced to other devices or online - I'm very glad I checked before deleting. I have numerous shortcuts for projects added to my sidebar, so my theory is this: When updating to the new version of Dropbox, these shortcuts remained, keeping a duplicate version of the folders/files that is saved locally. This theory is backed up by right clicking on any folder/file and noticing there's no Dropbox functionality (sync, copy link, etc).
So my plan is to now merge the two folders and see what happens. Will let you know!
P.S. my clients wouldn't appreciate me sharing project names on a forum, so I'll skip the screenshots for now
- Megan
Hey Tim, you might be onto something!
In any case, take your time, and update us when you can. Thanks! Just updating everyone on my situation.
My original comment:
"Perhaps the copy folder was created as a backup during the migration I am not sure? I would like to delete this second duplicate folder as it takes up a lot of storage space, however want to make sure my files won't be affected. It would also be good to know I haven't lost any files during the migration."
I ended up moving the duplicate folder to an external drive and had no issues. I suspect perhaps my migration to the new Dropbox folder location was interrupted mid-copy and so it started again without deleting the partially complete folder, I am not sure, however something with the merge seems to have caused Dropbox to make a duplicate folder. In any case, I haven't noticed any files missing from my Dropbox in the new location notwithstanding that I effectively deleted the copy folder (i.e. moved it to an external drive). I'll probably keep this copy just in case.
The Music app issue was due to a setting in the Music app itself whereby imported audio files are added to the Music App Library, which was in a folder in my original Dropbox location. I assume that the Music program didn't automatically update the Music Library folder to the new DB location, so it automatically created another DB folder in line with the original Music Library file path name.
Had this same issue – everything as described, including the sidebar alias.
Just now found out when I client asked where their files were… 😕
I'm going to use Carbon Copy Cloner to compare and sync the two folders on my Mac to make sure all got copied.
And I'm guessing that the older folder inside Cloudstorage folder can be deleted after that task… correct?
Thanks!
