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We can't restore to this computer since it's already backing up

I just installed and setup Dropbox Backup. The Mac Dropbox Backup app seems to be out of sync with my Dropbox Backup. My initial backup of several folders completed long ago (1:52 pm), but even now (4:24 pm), the "Restore" button is grayed out and when I mouse over it, it says "We can't restore to this computer since it's already backing up." The website shows that the last backup completed at 3:46 pm. The status is "Done." When I click on "View backed up files," I can that all the files have been backed up.

I don't understand why the "Restore" button is grayed out. I seem to have a working backup, but I am not sure if I could restore it. Plus the last backup times are out of sync.

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Restore

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Accepted answers

Megan

Hi @GeorgeW751, yes it's normal.

You're already using the feature on the device, so you shouldn't be able to restore, something that's already active.

As for restoring deleted content, I suggest you do this using your deleted files page, or events page instead.

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Megan

Hi @GeorgeW751, let's jump right into this!

Just to make sure we're on the same page here, it sounds like you wish to restore content that's inside your Backup, am I right? If not, then feel free to clarify,

Could you also clarify the app's current syncing status, please? I'd love some screenshots of the restore button, and the message you get on your end.

Keep me posted!

GeorgeW751

Hi Megan,

Yes, I just upgrade to Dropbox Plus and created a backup of 4 folders, including the Documents folder on my Mac ( disabled iCloud syncing of the Documents folder). I was trying to verify that I could delete a file and restore it.

Here's what I am seeing:

Screenshot 2023-09-04 at 5.48.35 PM.png

I tried totally deleting my backup (both in the App and at the Dropbox site). But I still get the same results.

As noted, the last backup completed at 3:46 pm. I noted at the Dropbox site, the file that I deleted was deleted from the backup (Backups/Mac1/Hugo/apnet/hugo.toml.

So why is the "Restore" button not working? The sync status is "Everything is up to date."

Thanks,
George

Jay

Hi @GeorgeW751, the Restore function is only used when restoring a Backup to a new device. It doesn't work on the same device you're currently using, since this is the place the backup is coming from.

As per the message, it sounds like the backup is still ongoing. If you click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar, what is the current status of the app?

GeorgeW751

I guess that I need to read the documentation closer. Here's what I am seeing this morning:

Screenshot 2023-09-05 at 10.19.20 AM.png

Given how backups are suppose to work (I need to read the docs closer), is that "We can't restore to this computer since it's already backing up" mouse-over message normal?

Thanks,

George

Megan

Hi @GeorgeW751, yes it's normal.

You're already using the feature on the device, so you shouldn't be able to restore, something that's already active.

As for restoring deleted content, I suggest you do this using your deleted files page, or events page instead.