How to selective-sync folders while smart sync is installed?

[Riona]

My harddrive is almost full. I need offline access to most folders. I need to use Selective Sync. SmartSync is installed.

I do not want to use SmartSync, because I cannot risk loosing access to folders. It is too time-consuming to find out how to enable and disable smart-sync.

-> I want to selectively-de-sync some rarely-used folders. They should be removed from my harddrive but remain on my online Dropbox.

- When I click on a rarely-used folder in explorer, the menue gives me only the option to smart sync. If I choose [local], the folder remains on the hard drive and syncs with my online Dropbox. If I choose [online only], the folder remains on the hard drive as well. The properties show the same file size as before. The folder takes up space.

- When I click on a rarely-used folder in explorer, the menue does not give me the option to selective sync.

How do I enable  Selective Sync?

[Mark · Accepted solution]

All the info you need about selective sync is available here: https/help.dropbox.com/installs-integrations/sync-uploads/selective-sync-overview

[CyberBiker]

While the article referenced above does have the information, the method described does't do what it is supposed to.  I have my drop box set to online only, but it has downloaded over 320GB material in past 24 hours.  How can I get the smart sync to actually do what it is supposed to do? This is occurring on MacOS Catalina 10.15.6.  It does seem to be working on the Windows computer I put it on about a year ago.

[Walter]

Hi @CyberBiker; how are you today?

I'm sorry to jump in, but can you clarify if you're actually using the selective sync feature or the Smart Sync feature instead? 

While we're at it, if you've set your files to be 'Online Only' via the Smart Sync option, those shouldn't be taking up space towards your computer hard drive space.

Can you check if the app is 'Up to date' within your computer's menu bar?  

[CyberBiker]

Most likely, I picked a wrong choice during the initial Dropbox setup.  Turned off Synch, uninstalled dropbox, emptied my Trash, re-booted the computer and re-installed Dropbox with a fresh download of the program.  Selected Online only during the installation process and everything seemed to be OK, until my computer decided it no longer wanted to turn on.  Will try again when I get the machine back.

Thanks for your information

[Jay]

Please keep us updated on this matter, @CyberBiker, when you get access to your machine again!