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Can't find my PC folder in Dropbox anymore? What is happening?!?

I don't know what's going on, but I've been using Dropbox for years now, and I had it set up so that there was a folder inside my Dropbox called PC, where all my PC files where synced to in real time. so for instance, it didn't mattered if I entered my "Pictures" folder from the PC, or from the Dropbox folder, both would enter the same place, with all my files inside safely backed up.

Now I don't know if Dropbox decided to just make things more complicated or what, but I recently had to reinstall my windows on my PC, and now I just tried resyincing everything, so that now Dropbox would now backup every file from this new PC instead, and... now the "PC" folder inside is gone, and I don't see any files in the feed being synced anymore.

I am terrified and confused.

What is happening? did they get rid of it? or what do I have to do to set it up how it was?

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Megan

Hi @censilver, let's jump right into this!

You mentioned that you recently did an OS re-install, and tried to resync everything. Did you re-enable the Backup feature from scratch, or just downloaded Dropbox to the device?

If you did something different, don't hesitate to let me know. Also, do you see the feature enabled here? What about the actual PC folder when you visit your account online?

Keep me posted!

censilver

You mentioned that you recently did an OS re-install, and tried to resync everything. Did you re-enable the Backup feature from scratch, or just downloaded Dropbox to the device?

Uuuuuhhhhhhhhh...

I... don't remember? I just downloaded it and ran it... I think.

If you did something different, don't hesitate to let me know.

No...? I just... went to the "backup your PC" thingie part of the Dropbox settings. and set it to backup the basic folders. ( Images, videos, music, etc... )

Also, do you see the feature enabled here?

There's a PC folder there, yeah. that's all I know.

What about the actual PC folder when you visit your account online?

Tried that before, yeah. no PC folder in it either.

Walter

Hey @censilver, sorry to jump in here, but could you navigate your PC folder in your backups page and let us know if this is the folder you were talking about in the first place?

Also, can you navigate to the app's preferences and let us know what you find in the Backups page?

censilver

Hey @censilver, sorry to jump in here, but could you navigate your PC folder in your backups page and let us know if this is the folder you were talking about in the first place?

Yes, that is the folder.

Also, can you navigate to the app's preferences and let us know what you find in the Backups page?

I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for, so here's a screenshot instead

Hannah

Hey @censilver, if you click on the 'manage backups' button in the preferences, are you prompted to set up your backup or are your desktop folders already checked (backed up) there?

censilver

They are being backed there, yes.

Megan

Hi @censilver, my apologies for being a little confused.

However on your responses earlier you mentioned: "no PC folder in it either", however later on you also mentioned that "Yes, that is the folder".

If your folder is already backed up on Dropbox's end, can you please confirm that there are no files missing inside the PC folder you can find in the Backups section?

Would you like to be able to access the PC folder inside the Dropbox folder on your computer like you used to?

censilver

Apologies if I confused you, allow me to attempt to clarify things:

Yes, the folder is theoretically in my online backup. however, the lack of a few things is bringing me trouble:

First and most importantly, as mentioned in the OP, is the fact that that folder is no longer in my Explorer files. meaning I'm not being able to properly interact with and use my PC files from inside it in my day to day usage, which I used to do.

Secondly, the fastest setting I'm finding within the Backup times is "15 Minutes"... this does not satisfy my needs. all changes to my files were being uploaded in real time before, and now I no longer see it happening.

Walter

Could you maybe send us a couple of screenshots of your local folders on your computer and what you're seeing locally that preventing you from accessing those files?

Also, do you maybe see the "Beta" label in the top corner of your backups page online?

Let us know what you find @censilver

censilver

Could you maybe send us a couple of screenshots of your local folders on your computer and what you're seeing locally that preventing you from accessing those files?

This is my current Dropbox folder. as you can see, there is no "PC" folder there anymore.

Also, do you maybe see the "Beta" label in the top corner of your backups page online?

Yes, it does have a "Beta" in the title on the top of the page.

Megan

Hi @censilver, can you double check your Backup settings via the app's preferences, to see which folders you've chosen to backup, and then compare these folders with the ones you have locally on the device (outside of your Dropbox folder)?

When you check your local folders, do you see any syncing icons there?

censilver

Hello, I was checking the settings and all I see is this

As mentioned in a previous post, this is not what it used to be, and it does not solve my problem.

And no, my local folders have no sync icons on them

Megan

Hi @censilver, can you clarify the Dropbox version you're using on your device?

Also, is the app up-to-date? On a previous screenshot, I can see a folder called "Backups", have you checked in there for your PC folder?