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How do I replicate a folder structure (e.g. copy it to create a 2nd copy) within Dropbox?

Hi -

I have folder structure with around 200GB of files in it. It synchs with my local laptop. I would like to create a replica of this folder structure on Dropbox that is not connected to my local machine. I don't have enough storage on my local machine to replicate it, and then remove the duplicate files afterward. So i simply want to create a second copy of the files that lives only in the cloud. That way, if and when i would ultimately delete the original folder structure, which due to synching would delete the original cloud copy, i will still have the second copy of files in the cloud.

I'm already familiar with selective synch and the ability to store the files only on one side of the synch, that's not my issue. Assume there is a valid reason i need a second copy of the files.

Any idea how to accomplish this within Dropbox cloud? Thanks much!!

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Rich

@Andy H.2 wrote:
I am simply attempting to take a large folder structure of thousands of files that already exists in my dropbox account, and replicate it. Copy it. So that i have *2* copies of the folder structure in the cloud, only one copy of which is 'synching' with the local files.

Create a new top-level folder within Dropbox. Use Selective Sync to remove that folder from your local drive (uncheck it within Selective Sync). Once the folder has been removed from your local drive, go to the Dropox website and use the Copy function to copy the folders you wish to duplicate into the new top-level folder. Anything placed in that folder will not sync to your computer. Note that you'll need to update the Selective Sync settings on all computers, if you have more than one.

Dropbox *must* have the ability to copy a folder structure within dropbox surely...?

Just select each folder you wish to copy, and select Copy from the menu on the right.

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Walter

Hey there @Andy H.2 - how are you today?

I'm not really sure I understand what exactly you're trying to accomplish, could you elaborate on this for me please?

One thought that comes in mind in this scenario, would be to replicate the folder structure without any files to save space. Once they populate your selective sync settings (found within the desktop app's preferences under the Sync tab), go ahead and un-check the boxes next to the newly created folders to prevent them from syncing on this device and then access them and fill them with the files and/or subfolders you'd like to copy in the first place through our website.

The other way to do this would be to do it in small batches and using selective sync on them during the process of copying your content.

As these options don't seem so delicate, I'd suggest taking a look at our Smart Sync feature which is a new addition to our Plus plan (I'm guessing that you're on the Plus plan due to the size of the mentioned folder structure).

If you're not seeing it yet on your account, hang on tight. The additional features (Smart Sync, Dropbox Rewind and an additional TB of space) are gradually rolling out and you should have access to them in a couple of days.

I hope this helps you get going with the task at hand while I'm always a post away should you have any more questions Andy!

Andy H.2

Walter -

Thanks for the attempt - let me try again.

I have a 2TB account, so space in storing files in the cloud is not a constraint. Storage on my local machine is a constraint.

I have a massive folder structure with thousands of files and subfolders. It exists on local drive and exists in the cloud. If i delete it on the local drive, it will delete it all in the cloud.

I understand i can use selective sync to 'break' the connection between local files and the cloud, so if i delete locally, it will not delete the file from the cloud.

I am simply attempting to take a large folder structure of thousands of files that already exists in my dropbox account, and replicate it. Copy it. So that i have *2* copies of the folder structure in the cloud, only one copy of which is 'synching' with the local files.

I can put the second copy under some new top level folder called 'copy' or whatever. That's no problem.

Dropbox *must* have the ability to copy a folder structure within dropbox surely...?

Rich

@Andy H.2 wrote:
I am simply attempting to take a large folder structure of thousands of files that already exists in my dropbox account, and replicate it. Copy it. So that i have *2* copies of the folder structure in the cloud, only one copy of which is 'synching' with the local files.

Dropbox *must* have the ability to copy a folder structure within dropbox surely...?

Just select each folder you wish to copy, and select Copy from the menu on the right.

Andy H.2

@Rich Solved my problem - thanks very much!

Andy

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