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Why is Dropbox using over 250 MB of my PC memory while I have no files?

quantum88

I do hope that someone can answer my question, as this is very disturbing.

Why is Dropbox using over 250 MB of my PC memory while:

1. I have ZERO (0) files stored

2. I have logged out

3. this is cloud storage only, no files are ever stored on my computer

What exactly did Dropbox place in my computer of 224.9 MB in size???

See the screenshot of my Task Manager

screenshot

Unless I get a rational explanation, there is something sinister going on here!

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Rich

@quantum88 wrote:
It's always a good idea to double check the data before making an assumptions about someone's lack of understanding of the issue.

I can only go by what was posted here. You asked "What exactly did Dropbox place in my computer of 224.9 MB in size???" and then showed a screenshot of Dropbox using 224.9 MB of memory, not disk space. Also, Task Manager doesn't show disk space used; it shows disk performance.

I said very clearly that these readings are when my Dropbox app is NOT RUNNING.

Your Task Manager screenshot shows that Dropbox is, in fact, running, so it makes sense that it would be using memory. Check your system tray (including the hidden icons) to see if the Dropbox icon is visible.

For comparison, here are two screenshots of Task Manager. The first is what is shown while Dropbox is running, and the second is after exiting the Dropbox application. Only the Dropbox Update tasks remain, which are controlled by a service on your computer.

Dropbox running

Dropbox closed

I'm waiting for Dropbox support to explain this and advise how to completely close my computer's connection with the app so that it doesn't use my RAM.

Are you using any features of the application that require the application to be running? Backup, online-only, Selective Sync, etc.? If not, uninstall the application and just use the Dropbox website to upload and download files, and you won't need the application installed. However, if you are using any of those features, the application is required for them to work, even if you're storing all of your files online-only.

Those screenshots above are for my own installation on one of my systems where all of the files are marked as online-only. There are no files stored on my local drive and most folders are removed using Selective Sync, but the application still uses memory because it is running.

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Hannah

Hey @quantum88, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Can you actually attach your screenshot in your next reply?

You can do so from the upload button that looks like a camera above the reply box (it will appear if you're on a computer or the desktop version of the site on a mobile browser).

Also, what does your plan page report about your usage?

Thanks in advance.

quantum88

Hi @Hannah

thanks for your reply. The screenshot is linked to the word "screenshot" which opens in a browser. But I can also attach it here.

My Plan says - 0 bytes used of 2GB. As I said, I have no files uploaded at present.

I look forward to your reply and explanation as there is something very wrong here. Why are there several processes in the Task Manager?

thanks

Dropbox screenshot of memory usage.jpg

Rich

@quantum88 wrote:
My Plan says - 0 bytes used of 2GB. As I said, I have no files uploaded at present.

You're confusing disk space and memory (RAM). The Dropbox application uses RAM as long as the application is running, just like any other application. That doesn't mean you have any files stored in the Dropbox folder on your local drive.

quantum88

@Rich

I'm not confusing anything. The second column in the Task Manager is always MEMORY, the third one is DISK. It's always a good idea to double check the data before making an assumptions about someone's lack of understanding of the issue.

You didn't read my post closely, either - I said very clearly that these readings are when my Dropbox app is NOT RUNNING.

When an application is NOT running it does NOT use any RAM.

If RAM is still being used when a cloud based app is closed, it means that it is running in the background in a stealth mode using up the precious computer resources.

I'm waiting for Dropbox support to explain this and advise how to completely close my computer's connection with the app so that it doesn't use my RAM.

Dropbox usage 2.jpg

Rich

@quantum88 wrote:
It's always a good idea to double check the data before making an assumptions about someone's lack of understanding of the issue.

I said very clearly that these readings are when my Dropbox app is NOT RUNNING.

Dropbox running

Dropbox closed

I'm waiting for Dropbox support to explain this and advise how to completely close my computer's connection with the app so that it doesn't use my RAM.

quantum88

@Rich

[for some reason the quote function doesn't work properly. Instead of quoting the selected paragraph it pastes your entire message]

I don't understand your question. I believe that for Dropbox on computer the app and website is the same thing. I opened a basic free account online just to be able to transfer large files when needed, not to store anything. It didn't ask me to select the web or the app version. I set up my account on my PC. I have a Dropobox app on my phone which is not connected to my computer. I didn't activate any of the features you mentioned. In fact, any additional features.

So if for some strange reason I am using the app instead of the website version on my computer, how can I move to the website version and close the app?

well thank you - this is the critical information I was missing. There was a HIDDEN Dropbox icon in my system tray. I right clicked on which opened a little window of my account where I was able to QUIT, and of course now it no longer uses my RAM.

My question now is for the Dropbox Support - why there is no option "Quit Dropbox" under My Account in the dashboard with information how to do it, but only "Log Out"?

That's what I call "running in a stealth mode". I know that Zoom and Skype do that - unless you quit - which you need to know how - the apps keep running in the background while you thought you closed them when you signed out. But I never suspected Dropbox doing this too.

* LIVE UPDATE

I just checked my app in the Start Menu - and found the answer to my earlier question and the cause of this confusion - created by the lack of information for the users.

Under the Dropbox folder there is Dropbox website and Dropbox app. When I click on the website link it takes me to my dashboard. When I click on the app - it starts running in the background in my hidden icons in the system tray, doing nothing.

My point again is that when I first set up my account online, the app was clearly linked and started automatically without my knowledge or selection, using my precious computer resources for several months for nothing. There was NO information in the set up process about this option and its functions. I didn't know about it, I didn't select it, I have no need for it, I won't be using it, and I don't want it.

So much for the full information about Dropbox operation and functions given to the new user.

thanks for your help.