Dropbox Backup

[AHC]

Does the new Dropbox Backup automatically access all of the files on your computer and save them?  If so, when did I give permission to Dropbox to put my non-Dropbox files in cloud storage?  And, more importantly, how can I stop this?  Please tell me how to change this unsolicited setting.

Thank you.

[Rich · Accepted solution]

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@AHC wrote:

Does the new Dropbox Backup automatically access all of the files on your computer and save them?

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No, it doesn't.

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... when did I give permission to Dropbox to put my non-Dropbox files in cloud storage?

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You either opted in to the activation of the backup feature during the Dropbox installation, or you later enabled it through Dropbox Preferences. Dropbox does not enable it without user interaction. The backup feature MOVES your key folders (Desktop, Documents, etc.) into your Dropbox folder so they can sync to your account.

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And, more importantly, how can I stop this?

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• https://help.dropbox.com/organize/how-to-use-dropbox-backup#disable

[AHC]

Thank you.  This week I installed Dropbox on a new work computer and I must have given permission during that installation process.  Removing this permission will be the first thing I do tomorrow morning. (It won't let me do it from my home computer).  Perhaps I am not understanding the difference between "moving" and "saving and accessing" files.  I back up my files the old-fashioned way.  Giving Dropbox the ability to "move" my files filled with all kinds of identity information seems very risky. 

I also don't like how it was done.  I have been using Dropbox for years and never had any problems.  But this seems like a huge privacy breach.  And if "moving" files does not present a threat to my privacy and security, Dropbox should explain more.  Then again, I have free Dropbox so maybe I shouldn't be complaining.

In any case, thanks very much Rich for your quick solution!