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I want to stop backing up my desktop on Dropbox.
I am using a different app to backup my desktop computer and its files. I want to continue to use Dropbox, but I don't need it to do the backups. How can I stop this feature?
Hey there rhaines765 - how are you today?
As our desktop app is designed to watch your Dropbox folder and sync any files placed in the folder you'll only need to uninstall it. Remember, your Dropbox folder is just like any other folder on your hard drive, but with syncing features.
You'd then be able to access your Dropbox account through the website at:
Note that the Dropbox folder itself is still there as a local copy of your Dropbox files at the time you uninstalled (or unlinked) our app from your account on your desktop computer.
I hope this information helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
36 Replies
- Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey tess e, I'd be happy to help!
Can you let me know if you have a problem locating some of your files, or if you are having an issue when trying to disable the Computer backup feature?
It'll help me assist you with the appropriate next steps.
Thank you!
That would be so great Megan! I just want it to stop backing up my pc files and only keep the ones we downloaded for business reasons only. I cant find the details on my DB page that are in the link you shared
I just don't see a way to stop the pc syncing and stop it from moving my things into a db folder
wow! what a mess! so sorry you are dealing with this too! good to know I am not alone!
ok, I followed instructions thank you. It appears I stopped the sync of my personal files but I am still waiting to see them released back to my pc. They still show the blue circle that appeared the moment I reinstalled DB and all hell broke loose. When does that go away and leave my pc in peace?
- Nancy
Do you remember whether you chose the “Keep content in folders on this PC/Mac” option, when disabling the computer backup feature, so that you files may return to their original location?
From what you mention, it sounds like the desktop app is still syncing. If you check your system tray/menu bar, are you seeing a small Dropbox icon perhaps? If so, I’d like you to clarify what’s its current syncing status.
I have exactly the same problems. It keeps backing up my private files to my business DB. I've uninstalled the app and reinstalled. Nothing works. Already lost documents. And what it's supposed to do sync my business files it doesn't do. The reason why I uninstalled and reinstalled in the first place.
What a **bleep** feature. I would like a clear explanation as how to stop this and prevent it from happening ever again!
- Jay
Hi RIC4life, just for clarification, have you disabled the computer backup from the Dropbox desktop application?
Which folders in particular are syncing to the site? Regarding the business files that aren't syncing, are those visible on the Dropbox site?
