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Computer Backup
278 Topics
Backup folder name change
Hello! I have 2 macs, one personal and one for work. Both had backup enabled and when I went online, I saw both computers' backup directories. The directories were both in the format of "My Mac (computername)" However, recently I disabled the Dropbox backup on my work laptop because I didn't think it would be wise to backup my work stuff to Dropbox. But I was subsequently told it was OK, so I re-enabled the backup. While everything was uploaded to Dropbox just fine, the name of the work laptop backup directory is now simply "Mac (2)". I would like to rename the folder to the "My Mac" format I previously had, but it is not letting me rename the folder. Any assistance would be great. Thanks in advance.Solved10KViews13likes43CommentsTurning on dropbox backup but folder name is weird
I had tested the Dropbox Backup feature in the past so I know that when turned on my Computers should be added as My Mac (Unique Mac Name). I decided to turn it back on again when setting up two new Macs that I have but the backup now creates the folders as just Mac, Mac (2), Mac (3) I've gone through the steps of unlinking Dropbox from each computer. Checking their names in System Preferences and also in the Security tab of my Dropbox account. The computer names are correct in Dropbox but the backup feature is still creating the folders as just MacSolved15KViews10likes56Comments
Dropbox moving my documents folder
Hi guys, I just tried the latest beta feature that allows me to backup my mac's folders. The issue is that when I select to backup my documents folder, dropbox just moves my entire documents folder from /Users/username/ to /Users/username/Dropbox/My Mac/ folder without asking me if that's OK. It just created a symlink in my home folder (/Users/username) that points to the the dropbox folder. THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE. 1. A backup software shouldn't move around the source files. I want my data to stay in a specific location that I prefer. 2. I have another backup software running on my machine that has to now re-upload ~9gb of files because dropbox decided to move the folder. 3. The replacement folder it created doens't even match the icon of documents folder. This frankly feels like an intrusion of my data. Until dropbox can figure out how to backup files/folders without moving my data in the dropbox folder I am turning this feature off. I hope this feedback reaches the right folks. Thanks.4.6KViews9likes11Comments
Linux Computer Backup
I was pointed here to give a suggestion from this thread: https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-files-folders/Trying-to-backup-on-Linux/td-p/548352 It would be nice if the functionality was added to (https://help.dropbox.com/installs-integrations/desktop/linux-commands) Some commands like: `dropbox backup enable/disable` and `dropbox backup add/remove /path/to/folder/or/file` Currently the advice is to mount into the dropbox folder (https://askubuntu.com/questions/1366889/how-can-i-use-dropbox-to-back-up-arbitrary-folders/1366896#1366896)7.4KViews8likes8Comments
Why can I only back up specific folders?
I just started using the back up feature in Dropbox but it seems to only back up 3 folders: DOWNLOADS, DESKTOP & DOCUMENTS. I don't keep important stuff in any of these. How do I select my 2 most important folders? It doesn't seem to let me choose.4.3KViews6likes10Comments
STOP Dropbox from backing up external drive
I made the mistake of accepting a request from Dropbox to back up an external drive plugged into my Mac. I didn't stop to think the files in that drive were going to be huge video files that should NOT be backed up to Dropbox. How do I stop the backup of that external drive? The help section says go to the preferences of the Mac Dropbox app and uncheck folders I don't want to be synced. There is NO such option. The only option is to uncheck something about set up notifications for new external drives. There was another help suggestion that suggested right clicking "the backup" and pausing it. WHAT backup?? I don't see the external drive listed anywhere in my Dropbox folder, and right clicking the external drive icon on my desktop doesn't show any Dropbox options. How do I stop this backup without disabling ALL backups?? Thank you for any help on this....Solved18KViews5likes22CommentsNo dialog box when connecting external HD?
I want to back up my external HD to my Dropbox account. What should happen: When I connect the external drive, I should get a popup that asks if I want to back up the external drive, I select it, then set it up. What does happen: Nothing. I don't get a popup when I connect the external drive. In Preferences/Backups, the "Hide all setup notifications when new external drives are plugged-in" is NOT selected and never has been. The only instructions Support could provide are "You get a pop up window saying back up this external hard drive and you select it and then you click on set up." I don't get the popup, so I can't do this. I don't see another way to set the external drive to back up. I know this is a relatively new feature, but it isn't working at all for me and I haven't seen any other threads with this problem. How can I find a way to do this? Thanks for your help.6.3KViews5likes51Comments
How do I delete Backups in Dropbox?
Hello, I've been trying to find out what is taking space in my Dropbox. When I go to Manage account it says I have 11.8 GBs of Backups out of 15 GB. However I cannot actually find out what backup this is nor delete it. All the steps I've checked on the site talks about installing a Desktop App then going to Sync and Backup. However there's no such thing. I'm using the latest Dropbox app downloaded from Dropbox website and running on Windows 11. Also if I go to Dropbox app in the taskbar and then click on my account name then go to Preferences there's an option for the tab called Backups. However this tab opens up just the folders however I've not selected any folders to be backed up. There's no way to actually delete backups. I've tried unlinking all devices from my account, deleting all files in the directories and still there's this 11GB just missing. Why can't Dropbox app just show what is taking the space and have an option to delete it?Solved7.8KViews4likes17CommentsProblem with backup (folders not in default location)
Long Story - Short Version New pc/laptop. Installed 2nd hard drive/ssd Moved location of ALL my folders (public and private) to 2nd drive. Path D:\Users\XXXX(name of user)\folder(music, documents, videos etc) Installed upgraded dropbox with 1 year free gratis 100gb storage. because i bought a 2k laptop.... and discovered DropBox Backup& Sync.. It won't run because folders are not in default location. IE C:\user\XXXX\Folder Duh! Of course they ain't! And I dont want them there EVER! The repair option will move the folders back to C: and I DO NOT WANT THAT TO HAPPEN - EVER! And because of this, the backup funtion won't work. This is sloppy programming! I was using Glacier from Synology (which is FREE BTW) and i just point it at my folders and BOOM! backed up. This bit of software cant even backup if the files are not where DropBox programmers have decided they must be. Really Bad Idea. anyone these days with a pc or laptop, which can use a second drive WILL move their folders off the boot drive. unless they have a death wish, of course...Solved9KViews4likes25Comments
New Sync Feature is auto cloud only. I hate it. How do I turn it off permanently?
Prior to a recent Dropbox update, all of my files on my PC were automatically synced into the cloud. I've always had smart sync off, so that I get to choose what folders I want on my PC. I want them ALL on my PC, but a recent update has changed it to that now they are only on Dropbox in the cloud and NOT on my PC anymore. I hate it. I have looked and looked by cannot find any way to force any new folders or files I create on my PC dropbox folder to always stay there and not to be replaced by an image with an X and only a cloud link. Please help. If I can't fit this, I'm leaving Dropbox and finding some other way of keeping my files on my PC. Thanks for anyone who can help me. ~ JosephSolved4.1KViews4likes10Comments
