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Dropbox file format...work with legacy versions or not?

I haven't installed the latest version of Dropbox because I can't get a proper answer on whether if I do so the new format will not sync with older formats on old computers.

It shouldn't be that difficult to respond to this question. And indeed from other posts the truth is that others are being caught out where the sync is to an older computer.

Anybody actually know the truth?

Thanks in advance.

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Rich

@nicwg wrote:
I think the answer appears to be don't upgrade on your newer computer or I'll lose the sync.

That's not what the article states. If you update the newer computer, both of your computers will still sync. Nothing changes in that regard.

My old computer can't be upgraded. It seemed a simple question: will I no longer be able to sync with my old computer running an older version of Dropbox ...

I think the important thing for you to remember is that if you're older computer cannot be upgraded to a more recent version of the operating system, eventually the Dropbox application will stop working completely. Older versions of the Dropbox application eventually reach a point where they're not able to connect anymore.

For example, the current minimum requirement for Dropbox on a Mac is macOS 10.12 Sierra. If your computer can't run on 10.12 or newer, then eventually Dropbox will simply stop working.

Just something to keep in mind for the future.

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Jay

Hi @nicwg, thanks for messaging the Community.

Could you clarify what you mean by the file format?

Are you referring to the new location of the Dropbox folder on Mac OS devices?

This will help me to assist further!

nicwg

It's not that difficult a question to answer. Dropbox has said they are now using a new structure (formar?). I just want to know whether an old computer using a previous version of Dropbox can still sync to the latest version with all it's changes. The answer should be a simple yes or no!

nicwg

No I didn't mark it as helpful....you did!! Just answer my question!

Jay

File format refers to a change in the file itself, however, it sounds like you're referring to the location change on Mac OS devices.

The Dropbox desktop application will still be able to sync normally with devices using the old location, or if they're using Windows or other devices in general.

nicwg

Nope. It isn't to do with the location. It's will I be able to sync with an older version of Dropbox.

Jay

I'm not certain what you're referring to. Do you mean if someone is running an older version of the Dropbox app itself on another device?

The files should still sync in these instances, however, the Dropbox desktop application will generally update automatically to the latest version on any supported device.

nicwg

Old computers can't update always to the latest version. So what happens then?

Nancy

Hi @nicwg, and sorry for jumping in.

If you’re using a device with an older OS, which may no longer be supported, then you’d need to update the OS of the computer to a newer one, so that it’s possible to install the latest Dropbox app versions.

Dropbox releases new versions regularly, which include improvements to the performance of the app and its security, and these may not always be compatible with an older OS. You can also check this Help Center article for more details on what would happen in this case.

nicwg

Thanks. My old computer can't be upgraded. It seemed a simple question: will I no longer be able to sync with my old computer running an older version of Dropbox if I accept the upgrade on a newer computer that I sync with.

But so far I've not been able to get a diffinitive answer.

nicwg

Thanks for the link to the article. I think the answer appears to be don't upgrade on your newer computer or I'll lose the sync.

Rich

@nicwg wrote:
I think the answer appears to be don't upgrade on your newer computer or I'll lose the sync.

That's not what the article states. If you update the newer computer, both of your computers will still sync. Nothing changes in that regard.

My old computer can't be upgraded. It seemed a simple question: will I no longer be able to sync with my old computer running an older version of Dropbox ...

For example, the current minimum requirement for Dropbox on a Mac is macOS 10.12 Sierra. If your computer can't run on 10.12 or newer, then eventually Dropbox will simply stop working.

Just something to keep in mind for the future.

nicwg

Thanks. That's the info I needed. I have a Sierra to Monterey link.