This folder will be instantly saved to your Dropbox and downloaded to all the computers linked to yo

[Aussie Aspirant]

This folder will be instantly saved to your Dropbox and downloaded to all the computers linked to your account.

This is the message I get when I attempt to save a Dropbox folder shared with me.

To date I have just downloaded the files directly to my PC, only having a free DropBox acct. Now I have purchased a subscription.

I do not want all the material in the shared folder on my computers, and as this particular folder contains much material that will be added to over years; it will quickly exceed my 250GB laptop disk.

What are my options? I have just uninstalled the desktop app to save space and bandwidth and certainly don't need more stuff.

In anticipation, thank you!

AA

[Здравко]

Hi @Aussie Aspirant,

You have done one of the options. Another option would be Selective Sync usage. Preferences -> Sync tab -> Selective Sync. You can just deselect any folder, which better stay on Dropbox server only, not local on your laptop. One more option is so called Smart Sync, but there isn't guarantee for no local space usage.

Hope this gives idea.

[Aussie Aspirant]

Thank you Здравко,

Where do I find preferences? I am on a Windows 10 machine with a laptop and phone connected. I can only see settings under my name and there is no Sync tab, perhaps because I deleted the destop app?

[Здравко · Accepted solution]

Ah... If you don't plan use the application, only the first option lefts. The one that you are using already. Yes, the other are related to the Dropbox application, if you plan using it again.

[Aussie Aspirant]

Thank you @Здравко 

I have reinstalled the app and chosen the 'keep files local option' and deselected the docs, downloads and desktop folders. There was one file uploaded only which is a big relief.

Much gratitude for your willingness and patience.

[Aussie Aspirant]

Actually, the issue is not solved. Again, Dropbox is uploading and downloading files, including all the 3Ds, docs, downloads and desktop again, even though they have already all been uploaded.

It will be a ticket to the staff next once the weekend is over.

I am sure there will eventually be smiles at the end of this ...

[Здравко]

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@Aussie Aspirant wrote:

Actually, the issue is not solved. Again, Dropbox is uploading and downloading files, including all the 3Ds, docs, downloads and desktop again, even though they have already all been uploaded.

...

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Hi @Aussie Aspirant,

What is the actuall issue? In your first post you talked about "Dropbox folder shared with" you. Further, you "do not want all the material in the shared folder" locally. That's exactly what my advice was about! Now you are talking about "docs, downloads and desktop". Which is something different! Seems you have problems with so called "Backup" (especially in quotes) feature activation, which isn't good idea, I think. And this feature deactivation is exactly what you declared have done - "reinstalled the app and chosen the 'keep files local option'". All right.

What is the actual issue now? Seems you haven't deselected the folder you mentioned initially out from "Selective Sync", but have "unbackuped" other folders. Dropbox is a syncing service and that's what the service is doing primarily - syncing. If particular file/folder is selected and reside in Dropbox folder, the content gets mirrored on the cloud and opposite is also true - any content added to the cloud somehow gets mirrored locally into Dropbox folder.

If you want particular content, added to the cloud (only folders are supported currently), without local counterpart, you can use "Selective Sync"/"Smart Sync". If you want some entries (either files or folders) residing locally in your Dropbox folder be left without a cloud counterpart, then you can move them outside Dropbox folder or use "Ignore" feature.

Of course, if your want to stop the sync completely, the application uninstall is always on the table. Another alternatives could be application stop and forbid autorun or just pause, for temporary syncing stop. You can choose what best matches your needs.

Some time ago I have proposed an idea able to make application' (and service at all) behaviour better, I believe - more intuitive and less confusing. You can take a look there and vote it up, if you want.

You can try clarify better what you need and what the problem is exactly, cosa your first and last post above contradict to each other. May be not exactly "contradict", but refering different issues. What is the actual one?