Duplicate File Cleaner / Removal / Override

[arshia m.]

This is like vacuuming your house or office. Do you guys go without it for years on end? It's hard to believe this critical and essential feature does not exist. I currently have multiple folders that can be merged easily on windows, but not on Dropbox. One thing the Dropbox developers have to understand is that business accounts have larger amount of files on Dropbox than on their systems, and because of the painful speed of upload and download and the limitation of files that can be transferred at once (3000 files), it is not possible to do this on the desktop side. So there has to be a house cleaning tool that allows for maintenance and merging of duplicate folders and files. You can even find this on your phone these days. It is hard to imagine Dropbox for business customers do not have this option.

[Walter]

The Dropbox team is currently reviewing this idea. We will share any updates with you.

[Mark]

Personally I wouldn't want any electronic system deciding which file was worth keeping and which wasn't - especially when so many applications now require duplicates to work (iTunes/iPhoto etc. as some examples)

If you have one that works on a computer then simply run it on the Dropbox folder and its sorted. 

[arshia m.]

Mark thanks for your reply, however I found your reply quite dismissive rather than useful and it seems like you didn't even read my post. :

1- Nobody is implying "electronic system deciding which file was worth keeping", not sure where you got that idea from? I'd assume any person would want to see what files are being overridden / removed. Just like when you copy a folder into another folder on windows, you have the ability to see each file and decide. As is the case of many duplicate file finder programs lie DupGuru, etc... 

2- This will be a feature. Anybody who doesn't want is can simply not use it! 

3- As mentioned in the post, with the treacherous upload/download speeds that Dropbox has to offer and the file size limitations, it is an impossible task to download 1TB of data every month or two and clean them up in windows and the upload them back. I am talking about folders that are not synced with desktop (obviously). 

I would appreciate a response from Dropbox staff. 

[Mark]

Apologies. I didnt mean to come across as dismissive. I still cant see a need for it, however, even with your additional info.

I would appreciate a response from Dropbox staff. 

You won't get one I'm afraid. This is a user supported forum. However, by posting here it will be passed to the appropriate teams.  

[albina e.]

The path you entered, is too long. Enter a shorter path
File Name could not be found. Check the spelling of the filename,
and verify that the file location is correct.

[Mark]

albina - not sure what your issue is (you've not said anything), however, please dont hijack other threads. Please start a new one. 

[swithers]

Everyone's all about this "Unclouded" app that's out - unfortunately for Android only, but there are some interesting alternatives in the comments section of this article: http://lifehacker.com/unclouded-sorts-google-drive-and-dropbox-by-size-categ-1613491689

[dannybrock]

In this case I would recommend to try DuplicateFilesDeleter.

[Daphne]

This idea is going to need a bit more support.

We've updated the status to encourage more users to back you up!

[MDiaz]

Why doesn't Dropbox offer a way to locate and remove duplicates?!? Imagine having all of your files and folders taking up less space and being more organized, are you with me?

[Walter]

Hi there @MDiaz; thanks for posting your idea!

I just merged your post under this thread as it echoes the feature request of the OP.

Whenever you get the chance, feel free to take a look and upvote it by giving it a like to show your interest. 

Take care and see you around the Community! ​​​​​​​