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Forum Discussion

giant2130's avatar
giant2130
New member | Level 2
12 months ago

Is it possible to have the directory of files visible locally, without downloading them?

I have a new computer and want all my Dropbox files online only (10TB). Is there a way to have the directory of files visible locally without downloading all files? My old desktop was set up to show ...
desktop
Mac
sync
JadeB's avatar
JadeB
New member | Level 2
3 months ago

I'm having the same problem and it's frustrating.

New computer, 5TB dropbox account. No ability to display folder structure within Windows explorer without syncing the whole dropbox account.

There's a problem with the settings. In my screenshot you can see that I've selected to make all folders visible.

And I've chosen to store the files online-only.

But those settings don't work properly. Choosing to "see" the folders causes the app to download the folders and their contents.

Please help.

 

  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    3 months ago

    Hi JadeB, in addition to those settings you have enabled, could you try marking the Dropbox folder itself as online-only by right clicking it and choosing that option, to see if this helps?

    • JadeB's avatar
      JadeB
      New member | Level 2
      3 months ago

      Thanks, Jay. But I don't have that option within Windows explorer.

      In this screenshot I've selected all the folders except for the one that I want a local copy. Right-clicking produces only "transfer a copy" as an option.

       

      • Jay's avatar
        Jay
        Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
        3 months ago

        Are you certain that you're viewing the files in the Dropbox folder?

        Is the Dropbox desktop application currently running and syncing, in order for you to see all the context menu items?

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