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Storage space

152 Topics

Does Dropbox compress files that user's upload?
Hello Dropbox, It's time for transparency on the topic of file compression. It is ridiculous that this question has been asked by so many users, dating back a decade, and still, I am unable to locate an official response or published document containing this sensible information. Does Dropbox compress files that user's upload? I'd like to hear it from a Dropbox representative, and: If yes; which file types are compressed? I want (require) a list of file extensions, please. Not a vague response lacking credibility besides "I work at Dropbox" or "any lossy audio file". What method of compression is used; can you at least tell me if its lossless? (again, documentation please.) Can the compression be circumvented with a workaround? Is there some container file type like .rar archives that Dropbox will leave alone? For example, what if I upload .iso or .vhd images? Would that be as easy as just changing the file extension or would I actually need to build an image because Dropbox uses heuristics to examine the raw data of the file in determining what to compress? What if I created a lossless archive that is password protected? What if I used my own file encryption software before uploading? If no, please provide a link to Dropbox official documentation stating this. I'm sorry that I don't trust you (hey, I'm honest). It's shady that Dropbox hasn't made this information easily accessible to their paid subscribers. I understand why it would be in Dropbox's best interest to compress user's files and in the end it would come down to profit and slight consideration for the user experience transferring files. I see it as, I pay (and have for ~years~) for a specific amount of storage space, therefore I should be able to choose how much of that quota my data occupies. Thank you, while irritated I do respectfully appreciate your time. Walt
Solved
Walt805
7 days ago Place Create, upload, and share
8.1KViews
1like
6Comments
How can I access a shared folder using a free account?
Help! I have a client that uses Dropbox and has shared a folder with me (4 GB currently). In order to access the folder, Dropbox said I need to sign up for an account. I signed up for a free account but now Dropbox is saying I can't access the shared folder because it is too big. Do I really have to buy a silly account to access a folder that isn't even mine? This folder is the only thing I am going to use Dropbox for, so I really don't want to have to pay for something I don't personally need. I'm doing this work pro bono because they are a nonprofit and would hate for either of us to have to pay more than necessary to just access shared photos and videos of rescue animals. Thanks for the help!
KR22
8 days ago Place Create, upload, and share
6.4KViews
1like
4Comments
I can't accept a shared folder, it says I don't have enough space when my account is empty.
I can not accept a shared folder from another basic Dropbox account, it says that I have not enough space, but my Dropbox account is empty of files/folders...
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robsimal
10 days ago Place Create, upload, and share
68KViews
0likes
5Comments
Why do shared files count against my space usage?
Why are files shared with me counted against my space usage? Is this data counted twice? If someone who is sharing files with me is paying for this space, why should I have to pay as well just to access it? I am out of space, I have no intention of buying more space, and yet, when someone shares some files with me, I cannot access them and I am forced to buy space in order to access them. Why is this? Thank you.
Solved
dualice
10 days ago Place Create, upload, and share
30KViews
4likes
144Comments
My files are online-only but they're still available on my computer
Hello, I use professional database with my account. I connected the Pro folder so I could share files from my computer. I changed the storage mode from "available offline" to "online only," but the files are still on my computer. I thought the synchronization would update and delete them. Could you help me? thanks
khohx
21 days ago Place Create, upload, and share
72Views
0likes
5Comments
Dropbox keeps on trying to upload 'dbx.external.drive' on MacOS 15.6
Hi. I've tried to clear out all of my backups from Dropbox. I was previously backing up two external drives, but I don't want to do that anymore. So I've deleted the drives from the Backup Manager page, no problem. But when I hit 'Sync' on my Dropbox app, it's creating a file under .dropbox/logs/1 that fills with small files until my entire hard drive is full. I went in and deleted all of these files once (144GB!), which didn't seem to affect functionality of anything, then it immediately went to fill it back up again. The only file it says "Syncing" in the app is dbx.external.drive. I'm on a Dropbox Professional Plan, using a Mac Studio running 15.6 Sequoia. Using version 236.4.5918.
eliasedlund
2 months ago Place Create, upload, and share
107Views
1like
8Comments
Help with selective sync and freeing up space on my Mac
I am on the free dropbox plan, using a Mac with the dropbox app. My hard drive is full and I have deleted almost everything but seeing that my dropbox folders are being copied to my hard drive in addition to being on the web. Selective sync should allow me to not have the folders downloaded on my hard drive but none of the instructions allow me to do it. I'd appreciate any help.
CarynS
2 months ago Place Create, upload, and share
61Views
0likes
2Comments
Can’t remove shared folder due to lack of space
Hi Dropbox team, I’m having an issue with a shared folder called “Worms”. I’m not a member of this folder, but it keeps showing under my “Shared” tab and is taking up 1 GB of space. Whenever I try to open or remove it, I get the message “Not enough space”, and I can’t accept or decline the invitation. I’ve tried the /share/invites page and all standard fixes, but nothing works. Could you please manually remove this folder/invitation from my account? Basic pack Thank you in advance!
Solved
mgry
2 months ago Place Create, upload, and share
175Views
0likes
14Comments
My colleague needs additional storage to view content inside a folder that we share. Why?
My friend and I are volunteers at an animal shelter, and both use Windows PCs. I take videos of the dogs to be posted on social media to help get them adopted. I am a Dropbox Plus subscriber, she has a Dropbox Basic subs. We are both members of a Dropbox shared folder. When she receives a link that I have uploaded videos to that folder and clicks on it, she receives s message that she needs more storage to view, and can only see pics from the videos. Any ideas to solve this problem?
Solved
walterbarbara
2 months ago Place Create, upload, and share
101Views
0likes
5Comments
"Access Denied" error when accessing shared folder due to lack of Dropbox space
Hello, I’m a new Dropbox user. I’m trying to use Dropbox for my company, and I was invited to a shared folder that’s already part of a paid plan. However, when I try to open it, I get an “Access Denied” message saying that my storage is full and that I need to upgrade to 2TB. As far as I know, I should be able to access the shared folder without having to pay for extra storage myself. What should I do? I only need to view and download the files in the shared folder, not edit or upload anything.
clear554
3 months ago Place Create, upload, and share
83Views
0likes
3Comments