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Can't sync (not enough space)

I am experiencing messages that my hard drive is full. I use a Mac Mini. My harddrive is not full at all. I cannot open Word files that are stored in Dropbox:

Word experienced an error trying to open the file.

Try these suggestions.

* Check the file permissions for the document or drive.

* Make sure there is sufficient free memory and disk space.

* Open the file with the Text

I am receiving messages that my outlook has to close because there is not enough space.

I am unable to install the latest MAC update as it says it does not have enough space to install.

when I right-click on folders that are stored on Dropbox and look at Smartsync, where I've chosen On-line only no longer has a checkmark beside it. It seems to be confused about Local, which I don't want and don't have selected. The syncing isn't working because it says there is not enough space to do it. So I just keep going around in circles.

Thank you.

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Accepted answers

Jay

Since the app isn't signed into any Dropbox account, you can leave it like that and uninstall the app if you no longer want to use Dropbox on your computer.

As it looks like you have very little space left on your hard drive, and that you're a member of a Dropbox Business team given the name of the folder, there's probably a lot of data trying to sync down to your Mac.

All comments

Jay

Hi @wendy_mugridge, thanks for joining the Community!

If you have folders and files that are already marked as online-only, then they shouldn't take up any space on your machine.

Could you check that the 'Smart Sync update for Mac' setting is enabled on this page, and then reboot the device to see if this helps?

Keep me updated with any progress!

wendy_mugridge

I went to the preferences page, turned that feature on, and rebooted. Thank for you that.

I had uninstalled Dropbox from my mac so I will reinstall. As of right now, I can only view file listings in Dropbox through finder, but no file will open.

Jay

Most likely it's because those files were online-only, so they aren't actually located on the machine.

When the app is installed, opening the files would allow them to download from the site so you can preview and edit them.

wendy_mugridge

I've tried installing the app and it says I don't have enough space! I feel like I'm going around in circles.

Thanks.

Jay

Have you tried freeing up some space on your computer before installing the Dropbox desktop application?

How much hard disk space you have on the machine?

wendy_mugridge

there is next to nothing on my hard drive. When I install the Dropbox app; it puts the Dropbox files on my hard drive. i can't get it to stop doing that. These are the settings I have Screen Shot 2021-02-08 at 12.49.34.png

Jay

Could you forward a screenshot showing the total capacity of your hard drive, and how much space is taken up there so we can assist further?

wendy_mugridge

Screen Shot 2021-02-08 at 16.31.31.png

the problem is that it is showing all the Dropbox files that it does not need to be on there. Thank you

Daphne

Could you check the "Get info" option for the Dropbox folder itself on your computer, so that we can see the difference in actual size and size on disk, @wendy_mugridge?

Also, when you check the system storage for your computer, does it show the majority of the space being in Documents, or Other?

wendy_mugridge

Just to be clear, I do not want Dropbox on my hard drive. I can't get it to stop copying the contents to it. If I log on it will start syncing and I basically lose the use of my computer. I don't know what I could have done to make it start doing this. Thank you. Screen Shot 2021-02-09 at 10.12.04.png Screen Shot 2021-02-09 at 10.04.04.png

wendy_mugridge

Screen Shot 2021-02-09 at 10.15.44.png

Jay

wendy_mugridge

I was able to figure out that I need to get rid of the copy of Dropbox that was on my computer and turn off the device. All good now. Thanks for all your help!

Jay

Not a problem, if you need any further info in future, please let me know.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Blondie1

Jay - I've read and appreciate the help you've shared. I hope you can help me.

I'm using Smart Sync and it's not giving me mac HD space. I'm doing my best to free up space - can you help please.

All help welcome. Mark aka Blondie1

mac OS 11.6

500GB mac storage - full

Dropbox Plus Plan

Smart Sync on for majority of my DB folders (for a week now) - you can see my Documents correspond to my DB folder size

'Smart Sync update for mac' is on.

DB app saying: Your Hard Drive is full use Smart Sync to free up space.

I have quit and restarted the DB desktop app.

I continue to not be able to free up space - something is not workin'

Screenshot 2021-10-30 at 14.53.31.jpg Screenshot 2021-10-30 at 14.52.10.jpg Screenshot 2021-10-30 at 14.51.51.jpg

Jay

Hi @Blondie1, when you say that Smart Sync is enabled, do you mean that your files are showing up as online-only in Finder?

.

Do they have a cloud icon on them, or a green tick?

Blondie1

Hi Jay

Yes, I've set to online only and they show with a cloud icon.

Some are still local (green) but not a significant amount.

I've spent Saturday with Apple on this and their final suggestion was to clean everything off and reinstall.

Fortunately I have a new macbook this week to start fresh with as my existing one has ground to a halt from this problem.

So in short, it feels like the computer storage was recognising files being moved to online.

Thank you

Blondie1

Correction -

So in short, it feels like the computer storage *is not recognising files being moved to online.

Thank you

Jay

Thanks for the info, since you're getting a new device, do you still require assistance on this matter for the older machine?