Change Dropbox Backup location/name (macOS)

Question

Hello,

I'm trying to get my Dropbox backups synchronized and more sensibly labeled.

As I connect more computers they get various names attributed to the "Backup Folders" that are created in Dropbox.

At times these names are either a bit ambiguous "Mac (5)" or lose their original meaning (Macbook Pro 13 ..... MacBook Pro 2020)  as I transfer to a new computer (transferring Account data carries over all of the Dropbox settings of course.)

Is there a way to change the Backup folder?

I have tried removing my Dropbox install....

deleting: Application Support/Dropbox

removing .dropbox folders and files

uninstalling / reinstalling

renaming the computer

https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-files-folders/Backup-folder-name-change/td-p/531996/page/2

Is there any chance this will be possible?

Rich · Answer

@weejohnstons wrote:I have a few mac devices on my home setup and would like to rename them to be something more meaningful ...

You can't. Previously they would appear with the name that the computer had when the backup option was enabled, but that changed quite a while ago. Now they're simply listed as Mac (2), Mac (3), Mac (4) or PC (2), PC (3), PC (4), with no way to change it.

weejohnstons · Answer

I have a few mac devices on my home setup and would like to rename them to be something more meaningful, or even match the names Apple gives them.  For example, 'Mac (4)' is my new macbook, but you can see here it's just listed as number 4 device.  I've tried renaming in Apple, but as it doesn't match anyway, changing those setting doesn't have any effect.  Any ideas?

rocketmanblamb · Answer

Here is a method to enable a custom computer folder name for "backups" of User home folder directories.

https://brianlamb.notion.site/Methods-for-Custom-Backup-Folder-Name-f0426632c9044ab5bb3c52a0ec74ca50

Not 'supported' by Dropbox but it will work, I have used it before documenting this here.