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Online only files taking up space on Windows
I have an 8Tb drive where I store my dropbox files on my Windows computer and despite setting all files to be 'online only' as well as going to Dropbox preferences and setting select sync to not sync any folders I am still getting the message "Can't sync not enough free space". In my system settings it appears the files are still taking up space on my "Apple" drive where I have drobox downloaded and have set it to sync to (I have less than 200GB of non-dropbox data on that Apple drive).
However, when I use a storage analysis tool like WinDirStat, it doesn't see there being that much space taken up:
Here it shows only 1.4Tb of space being taken up by Dropbox files, and while that should be 0, it's still way less than what my computer system settings believes are on the drive.
I had this problem on my Mac a year ago and solved it by checking the box on the website to not have online files take up hard drive space. I've done the same for my PC. I have unlimited space on my dropbox account. I have updated Dropbox to the latest version (released December 21st 2021). I have read through every relevant online article and forum I could find. So now I am here.
Does anyone know how to solve this? I use dropbox to manage all of my projects and files. I don't have this problem on my Mac Laptop which has the same dropbox account. I am lost suffice to say hah.
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Now it has finally synced, ("your files are up to date") but only because I have deleted other files on my hard drive.
There is still no change in the files that I have set to "online only" they are still on my hard drive taking up space.
Hello!
I have the same problem on my PC. My Dropbox files are definately online only, but they fill up disk space, clearly shown in WinDirStat also on my end.
best
stefan
- Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey doppelgaenger_digital, let's jump right into this!
What is the app's syncing status currently? Have you made sure it's up to date?
Also, do you happen to have any screenshots from the WinDirStat stats on your end?
Keep me posted, and we'll take it from there!
Sync Status is up to date and does nothing currently.
Here is a screenshot. That's not the only folder that's showing from dropbox.
- Megan
Hi doppelgaenger_digital, thank you for the screenshot!
Could you send me another one of this particular folder, and the files in it, being online-only, please?
Sure. Here you are.
- Hannah
Hey doppelgaenger_digital, sorry to jump in here.
Can you also let us know which version of the app you have installed?
You can hover over the Dropbox icon to see that info as well.
Also, what do you see if you right click and choose Properties on the folder itself in Explorer, instead of via third party apps?
Here are Screenshots from the Dropbox Icon and the Properties panel.
