Why do I need dropbox backup? Are my files not already backed up to the cloud?

[BeaZee]

I removed many files from my dropbox and it still said it full... the culprit was the "backup" folder which I found with the help of this amazing community. Once I removed the "backup" my space freed up. My question: Why do I need this 'additional' backup? aren't my files already backed up to the cloud? isn't this a duplication of backup of the backup? 

[Walter · Accepted solution]

Hey @BeaZee, thanks for posting on our Community and happy Monday! 

Are you referring to files or folders you are storing in your Dropbox account or your Dropbox folder on your computer perhaps?

If so, these files will be synced and you'll be able to access them from any device you've linked your account to and the website as well. 

With the Dropbox Backup feature you can backup your computer's OS folders  (Documents, Downloads and Desktop) and external drives to Dropbox. 

For more information about this, you can have a look here as well. 

I hope this helps!