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HT move Desktop folder out of Dropbox

I'm on a Macbook Pro running Ventura. At some point in the past, I moved my Desktop folder into Dropbox. It no longer exists in my user folder, and has been replaced instead by an alias. I would like to move it back where it belongs, on my hard drive and in the user folder, but, given that Desktop plays a central role in Mac OS, I'm hesitant to just drag and drop. Would appreciate any advice, especially from someone who has experience with this issue. Thanks.

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Rich

@Casey4 wrote:
At some point in the past, I moved my Desktop folder into Dropbox. ... I would like to move it back where it belongs ...

You need to disable the backup feature.

https://help.dropbox.com/organize/how-to-use-dropbox-backup#disable

Hannah

Hey @Casey4, just to clarify, how did you initially move the Desktop folder into your Dropbox?

Did you enable our backup feature, like Rich suggested or did you manually move it in the Dropbox folder?

Casey4

I believe I enabled backup, but it's been a while, so I'm not sure. Is there a way I can tell?

Casey4

Hi @Rich, thanks for your suggestion. For some reason, when I follow link you attached, to a page that describes how to disable backups, the steps there don't match what I see on the Backups tab. I've attached two screenshots below. One shows the Backups tab itself, the other what I get when I click Manage Backups.

After I click Manage Backups, there is no Adjust Settings option, nothing labeled Disable Backups, and nothing about Keeping content on my Mac or leaving it in Dropbox. Perhaps the procedure on this page hasn't kept up with the latest version, but in any case I decided to follow up to see if you can help. Thanks in advance.

Screenshot 2023-05-14 at 2.39.17 PM.jpg Screenshot 2023-05-14 at 2.51.09 PM.jpg

Jay

Hi @Casey4, could you try going onto the Account tab in the preferences window, and while holding the Option/Alt key, click 'Reset OS Folders' and let us know how it goes?

Casey4

Hey @Jay . When I hold down Option the Account menu, I don't see a Reset OS Folders button. Here's a screenshot -

Screenshot 2023-05-15 at 6.59.12 AM.jpg

Nancy

Hi from me too, @Casey4!

Do you mind uploading one more screenshot of what you see on this page?

Casey4

Hi @Nancy.

Here you are:

Screenshot 2023-05-15 at 4.38.31 PM.jpg

Jay

Since the backup is disabled, there shouldn't be a Desktop folder in your Dropbox folder. Could you attach a screenshot showing what you're describing in Finder?

Casey4

Hi @Jay - Here's a Get Info from Finder on the Desktop folder.

Screenshot 2023-05-16 at 7.26.04 AM.jpg

Nancy

Hi again, @Casey4!

Can you please follow these steps and let me know if they help return your Desktop folder to its original location?