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I'm trying to make folders online-only, but they reappear immediately in my desktop app.

Hi All,

I am trying to free up some storage on my desktop by making a folders online. I can go into the app and select a folder as online only and the app says "Success". But, then the file is still on my Desktop and when I reopen the app it appears again in the folders that are the desktop. Anyway to trouble shoot this? Thanks!

-Anna

Dropbox Plan

Plus
Device

(Dell Workstation)
Operating System/Browser (if using the web)

(Windows 11)

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Comments

Dell_Dropbox

Hey there @anbrasw, thanks for dropping by.

Something to keep in mind, when using this feature, the files/folders would still appear inside your Dropbox folder. They wouldn't disappear from there, they would just count as 0 bytes.

With that being said, can you clarify the size they take up inside your hard drive, and the app's current syncing status?

Keep me posted.

anbrasw

Thanks! Syncing status is - no issues.

The files still come up as having a size when you go back into the Manage Hard Drive Space. The files I have tested range in size from 1 GB to 7 GB. I can try one smaller if that is the issue. Should I also try reinstalling Dropbox?

Hannah

Hey @anbrasw, I hope it's okay for me to jump in here!

No need to reinstall the Dropbox app just yet.

Can you please describe the exact steps you followed to make your files online-only?

And if you navigate to your Dropbox folder, select your folders, right-click on them and choose the "make online-only" option, does that work?

anbrasw

Hi all - when I navigate to my folders in my folder structure - and right click - "make online-only" does not come up as an option.

So I am going into the app - going to manage hard drive space, and then clicking on individual folders and clicking on "make online only."

Thanks!

Hannah

Thanks for the update, @anbrasw!

Would you mind sending us a screenshot of the options you see when you right-click on a file or folder in your Dropbox folder?

Also, does syncing work otherwise? For example, if you add a file to your Dropbox folder, does it sync to your account on dropbox.com?

anbrasw

Syncing is fine otherwise. And the sync issues say there are no syncing issues. Here are the options:

Thanks!

Hannah

Thanks for the screenshot, @anbrasw!

Just to confirm we've checked everything, have you tried quitting the Dropbox app, and then re-starting it, to see if it helps?

anbrasw

Yes - I have tried that. But good thought!

Hannah

Hmm, do you remember disabling any system extensions in your settings? Or having another Dropbox account linked to this one?

Perhaps you've turned off some kind of system extension on that account instead.

Nancy

Hey @anbrasw! Did you get the chance to test Hannah’s latest suggestion perhaps? If you did, feel free to let us know how it went.

anbrasw

Hi All,

I have another dropbox account linked - an institutional one through my work account. Could that be doing it? How do I find the system extensions in my settings?

Thanks!

-Anna

Megan

Hey @anbrasw, let's check for a couple more things first.

Would you mind clarifying which app version you currently have installed on your computer, along with the app's syncing status? You can find both by hovering your mouse over the little Dropbox icon in your taskbar next to your WiFi.

Also, can you try quitting the app, and then re-launching it? Right-click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar or task bar and select Quit Dropbox, then reopen it from your installed applications.

While you're at it, try also signing out of the app, and then back in.