Problem moving Dropbox folder from linux to NTFS partition

[allanmariano]

Hello everyone,

I have a dual boot system with 3 partitions, Windows 10, Debian 9 and a NTFS partition, that I use for shared files. I used to install Dropbox on both system using the same folder in the shared partition. Now I recieve the error message "To sync your Dropbox, Move your Dropbox folder to a partition with a compatible File System. Dropbox is compatible with Ext4.". This is, probably, due to the File System support changes.

Can I still make Dropbox sync with this folder in the NTFS partition from Debian Ext4 partition?

[Jay · Accepted solution]

Hi Allan, if you’re using Windows the Dropbox folder is in the NTFS drive, then there’s no issues.

However from Debian, you won’t be able to sync your files since the Dropbox folder isn’t located in an EXT4 drive. You’ll need to have a separate Dropbox folder stored in the EXT4 drive specifically for the Debian install.

Hope this clarifies matters.

[allanmariano]

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@Jay  escreveu:

Hi Allan, if you’re using Windows the Dropbox folder is in the NTFS drive, then there’s no issues.

However from Debian, you won’t be able to sync your files since the Dropbox folder isn’t located in an EXT4 drive. You’ll need to have a separate Dropbox folder stored in the EXT4 drive specifically for the Debian install.

Hope this clarifies matters.

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Thank you, Jay, for the fast response.

I was wondering about that. I don't want to duplicate files, that's why I cretated the shared drive. Dropbox team must have good reasons to change File System support like that.

I hope there will exist a work around.

[Здравко]

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@allanmariano wrote:

 ...

I hope there will exist a work around.

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Hi @allanmariano,

About the workaround You ask for... You, better, don't rely on! Did You see the thread?

[Andres_Hernande]

Hi,

Why dropbox did this change?, it complicates the use for users with double boot.

Andres

[allanmariano]

Hi, Andres

Yes, I'm wondering that, as well. As I said, I used to have just one copy of the folder in a shared NTFS drive which I could access from Linux and Windows drives. They must have done that for security reasons, or something like that. As we might be a small percentage of users doing so, this will propably not be solved.

There is an explanation that you can read in this thread.

[Здравко]

Hi @Andres_Hernande and @allanmariano,

It seems that I haven't explain (in my previous post) very well what I mean. And it is that, You shouldn't rely on workaround, coming from Dropbox. But, this doesn't mean that working workaround couldn't be found! Read carefully the refereed thread..  There are tips which can lead You to solution. Of course every such solutions could be temporary - It seems, We (I mean affected users) and Dropbox are playing game for mices and cat...

There are not any security reasons for such decisions! Security reasons pointing is bad excuse try for their marketing strategy.

Wish You a good luck.

[allanmariano]

Hello, man

Sorry about the misunderstanding. actually, I've just decided to use the website while I'm on Linux.

Thank you very much for the help!