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Cannot move files between dropbox and Backup

Hello, before I did it quietly, but since the transition to Dropbox Backup took place, through the web page it is no longer possible to transfer dropbox files and put them in the backup folders or vice versa but it shows the text "Files can't be moved into backups". Please, can you put this feature back ?

Screenshot 2022-10-04 at 3.26.07 PM.png

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Rich

@Briskola wrote:
... it is no longer possible to transfer dropbox files and put them in the backup folders ...

It makes sense to me that a backup is meant to be just that; a backup of the files as they exist on the device being backed up. You shouldn't be able to modify the content of a backup. Seems that would defeat the intent.

If you need files backed up, move them into the folders being backed up on your computer so Dropbox can sync/back them up as intended.

Briskola

Yes it's true but before now you could do it and it was even more convenient since you put the file directly into the folder you wanted instead of putting it first in the Dropbox one and then in the Documents folder for example.

Walter

Hey @Briskola, thanks for your feedback on this - it's been noted in our system.

Let us know if you have anything else to add.

Briskola

Nope, this is the situation, I'd like to modify backed up folder from the web too like before this changes, since it now redirect to the relative Dropbox Backup page when I open a backed up folder

Jay

Hi @Briskola, currently it isn't possible to modify any files in the backup from the Dropbox site.

This can only be done when changing the files directly on your machine, which will then sync to that backup with the changes.

Your feedback and comments are greatly appreciated!

sadlkfjbba

I've been a paying customer for many years and the removal of this function is rediculus.

I'll be using other cloud service providers.

It's not a wise strategy to change things that work well.

Dropbox used to be good.

Underline "used to"...

PS. Spare me the generic answer, thanks.

Briskola

Has anyone found a solution to add or remove files to backup from web ?

It is frustrating that this feature has been removed

Mike1975

Removing this function assumes that a user syncs everything between their computer and Dropbox. Personally I also use Dropbox to store items not on my machine, for example photos or videos that I don't want clogging up space on my laptop.

I used to use the web version of dropbox to move items that are on my machine desktop (and therefore synced to dropbox) to folders on dropbox not synced to my laptop, thereby removing them from my desktop but still on Dropbox. Working this way means I avoid having to upload those files to dropbox again, just so they can sit in a separate folder already in dropbox.

I've problem just confused the hell out of you (sorry). But this is a key feature of any cloud storage system.

Rich

@Mike1975 wrote:
I used to use the web version of dropbox to move items that are on my machine desktop (and therefore synced to dropbox) to folders on dropbox not synced to my laptop, thereby removing them from my desktop but still on Dropbox.

And you can still do that. I do the same thing to move files into an un-synced folder so those files are removed from the computer but remain in my account online. Nothing has changed with that.

What this thread is referring to is the inability to modify a backup session, not the actual folders and files in your Dropbox account. When you use the backup feature to back up your key folders or an external drive to Dropbox, those backups are stored in a separate area in your account which isn't meant to be modified. The only way to change files in the backups, is to change those files on the computer or device being backed up and allow them to be backed up again.

Mike1975

Thank @Rich for taking the time to respond. It's appreciated.

I might not have explained myself too well, so apologies if that is the case.

I understand how the backup system works differently but the issue I have is that when I click on the folder menu on the left (in the web version) when not in the backup area, it forces the backup area to load, rather than remaining in the old school dropbox version. Therefore I can't actually get to a folder that is synced on my computer without being in the backup area. That means I'm unable to move it out of there to my non-sync'd folders.

Rich

@Mike1975 wrote:
... when I click on the folder menu on the left (in the web version) when not in the backup area, it forces the backup area to load, rather than remaining in the old school dropbox version.

Can you post a screenshot of the area you're clicking? Be sure to mask any private information. And in the meantime, try the following link. It should take you directly to the file listing for your account (not the backup area).

https://www.dropbox.com/home

Mike1975

Thanks again for responding.

Here is a screenshot with an explanation of what I am doing...

Screenshot 2023-06-30.png

And the moment I press "desktop" or any other folder that is sync'd to my laptop it moves me to the backup version...

Screenshot 2023-06-30 at 16.00.09.png

In the backup version I am unable to move an item out into a non sync'd area (namely home movies).

Thanks again for all your efforts to try and help me.

Jay

Hi @Mike1975, the Dropbox Backup feature and the normal syncing folder are considered to be separate sections.

This means that you can't move files to or from either location via the site.

If you want to move files from a Backup into the main Dropbox page, you'll need to find the actual files on your computer, and then move them manually. This will delete them from the Backup, and add it to the Home Movies folder.

Briskola

Yes, and it's a shame because it was a very useful feature that as you can see many people used. That way I was able to transfer files into my DropboxBackup even from a second pc without but without having to download the Dropbox Backup on it too (because maybe it's my mother's pc...).

Please restore it!

Mike1975

Thanks for responding.

That's the workaround I'm currently having to do. I think I'll need to move off the backup back too how it used to be, as this is something I do quite a bit, as I don't keep everything on my laptop.

Thanks again.

Briskola

What a shame! One of the most convenient features that existed has been removed without any logical connection. I never expected this from Dropbox, put it back since as you can see many users would like it!