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Sync dropbox across multiple locations/hard drives

Sync dropbox across multiple locations/hard drives

Ashvin B.
New member | Level 2

I have a larger dropbox account than my primary hard drive. It would be great if dropbox could support virtual links to files outside of it's default location, without those files having to also be in the main dropbox folder. I am aware of shortcuts/aliases on windows/OSX, but those don't solve the problem if my primary drive has limited space.

This is one workaround, but native support through the Dropbox client would be ideal: http://bobmckay.com/software/split-dropbox-across-multiple-drives

Latest Update
Nancy
Dropbox Staff

Thank you for sharing your idea.

 

We have looked into this, but it is not something we are actively working on at this time.

 

We regularly review these ideas, and we will keep you updated if this idea moves forward in the future.

Status changed to: Not for right now
108 Comments
Clint D.1
New member | Level 2

While I will continue to use Dropbox, I also would GREATLY benefit from this premium feature—and I would pay more for it. 

 

In my scenario, I am co-editing a single video project each week and moving a 7200 RPM hard drive between two locations. If we could sync files to two different drives overnight, we'd eliminate the need to "sneakernet" the drives back and forth. We're talking around 8-12GB of added data each week.

 

There doesn't seem to be any other method to sync two drives (reliably) over/through the cloud. I can't use Dropbox because I am not able to use my internal drive where all my other files are located/synced (not enough space and not practical for long-term usage since the amount of total archived data grows significantly each week).

alissa914
Collaborator | Level 9

I like this idea but after using Dropbox using junctions to sync files on an SD card because their software refuses to link to one directly, I wouldn't use it.  The main reason is that when Dropbox doesn't see the external drive for whatever reason (either it's offline or just not connected), it will report an error and make you relink... or it will just delete them if it's a subfolder.

 

I saw Know How on TWIT.tv about using a Synology NAS to sync to Dropbox and other cloud services.  It was impressive enough to the point where I'm going to use that.  Store all my files on the NAS and then turn off my computer while it syncs with lower power drain and not having to have my PC on.  If I need a Dropbox folder for offline use, then I'll use Selective Sync in the Dropbox client for just those folders.  If it works like they showed it, I'm just going to do that as it seems easier.

Daphne
Dropbox Staff

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on this idea here!

While we can't take every idea forward, we do regularly re-review and will update you if anything changes.

Thanks again!

Status changed to: Not for right now
djorziv
New member | Level 2

a few months ago Dropbox stop the support for symbolic link for files located outside dropbox folder, now that it doesn't work any more, dropbox users have to pay a lot of money to 3rd party programs in order to sync files located outside the dropbox folder.
please make it possible again because it's a really essential feature!

zarnivop
Explorer | Level 4

With nowdays growing use of SSDs, with their limited capacity, there's growing need to sync both types of drives. The mechanical drive has far more space, so most materials are on it. The SSD needs DropBox sync too.

Currently it's impossible.

I think many clients do need this feature. It becomes more and more relevant, especialy for home paying customers.

Please consider this. Thanks.

teo5
Helpful | Level 5

It would be ideal to have Dropbox automatically:

- Sync my whole dropbox to my external hard drive

- Smart-sync the most-used parts of my dropbox to my internal hard drive

- If I want to use something that's not sync'd on my internal hd, load from external hd instead of downloading (if faster & available)

Walter
Dropbox Staff

Hi @zarnivop; thanks for your input on this!

 

I'm not sure if you're aware, but the team is working on this idea! You can see more about this here:
 
Thanks for sharing your suggestion with us and we'll update the thread here when we know more!
 
Cheers! 
Status changed to: Accepted
hollyn1222
New member | Level 2

Any solution for a Mac? As I would love to offload some items on my hard drive, but then it will not get backed up by dropbox and that scares me. If we are paying for a Dropbox account, I think they should be smart enough to enable this.

hollyn1222
New member | Level 2

Any solution for a Mac? As I would love to offload some items on my hard drive, but then it will not get backed up by dropbox and that scares me. If we are paying for a Dropbox account, I think they should be smart enough to enable this.

Nemanja604
Explorer | Level 4

The idea is to have the folder located on two computers simultaneously. To allways be accessible to both.

Lets say we have a main folder, located on desktop computer (internal drive) and we want to use the laptop to continue the work (external or internal drive). Currently there is no possibility for that, but it seamed to be logical and already integrated when I tried to do it.

Thank you!

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93 votes received