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I can't access my backup from other devices after a recent update

I recently updated to the new Dropbox Backup on my main computer and, from the reading that I have done, realized that the new update no longer allows you to view or access files in backup from the Dropbox folder on other devices. I do work across a computer and two laptops and need to be able to access and edit my files from any device on any other device and have everything sync in real-time. Before the update, this worked flawlessly as I could access and edit files in the documents folder of one computer from another. But it seems that this function has been removed. Is it possible for me to roll back the update and restore the old functionality. If not, what can I do to have all of my files sync and be accessible across devices. I use Dropbox specifically for this functionality and with this change, Dropbox has become effectively useless to me.

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DBoxTips

Hello @Columbusboo1,

Yes, with the new Dropbox Backup that is no longer possible, as confirmed by Jay from Dropbox on this forum post:

In general, it should no longer be possible to view the backups of other machines on your current device, and you can only see them from the site.

If you're still able to view these backups, then in the near future, those will also be removed from Explorer.

One way to restore this functionality would be to use third-party solutions which integrate with the Dropbox desktop app and make it possible to sync any folder (not just the "Documents" folder) with Dropbox across devices, like Boxifier. That is on Windows only, I don't know if they have a Mac version yet. My experience with it is on Windows.

Hope this helps.

Andrew (DBoxTips)

Catalina1

Same here.

Columbusboo1

Hi @DBoxTips, thank you for the response! I looked into Boxifier and it seems like it should be a good solution if I end up not leaving Dropbox. It is very upsetting having to pay even more to another service to get back this functionality. I have been very happy with Dropbox up to this point because of how well the syncing worked. I can't believe that they would just remove this functionality and it has me looking to move to a different solution.

umbertotrivella

Hi all,

I could not agree more with what you have posted above, the new Dropbox Backup is simply useless to me and has now made Dropbox much less useful. The whole point of Dropbox Backup was to be able to access one's files from any device anywhere. Accessing them only on the web becomes cumbersome and un-userfriendly.

I am upset and outraged that DB would unilaterally decide to take a decision like this and remove a crucial functionality just like that!

cngzymn

When I first started using Dropbox, I could see my Desktop, Documents and Downloads files in my Dropbox web and mobile application. In this way, I could add an attachment to an e-mail in my mobile applications or save the report in the finance application to my desktop.

You changed this process to Backup Solution. I want to sync my Dektop, Documents, and Downloads folders as in the beginning. You are the one who transformed this into Backup and without any approval or information from me. This process should have been optional. Some users like me might want to continue as it is, have you ever thought about that?

Currently, I need to create my Desktop, Documents and Download folders in Dropbox, move all the contents to these folders and leave a file shortcut in their original place, but this is not a solution, I drag and drop each file I downloaded from the internet or saved from an e-mail attachment to the Desktop or Downloads folder at the original address. I need to remember the file and copy it into the shortcut so that it can be synced. I have to do this because when I say save a file to dropbox on my mobile phone, my desktop etc. folders used as backup are not included in the folder list that opens. (I used to see)

And I used to be able to share a folder on my desktop with other people. Now, due to the backup feature, I can no longer share these folders. I need to replace these too.

This situation is ridiculous. I want to use the Backup feature as before, but I don't want it. All I want is to be able to sync the folders I choose, such as Desktop, Documents and Downloads, in Dropbox without the need for any shortcuts.

vaizor

So this stupid new dropbox backup thing completely ruined how my files are being managed. So, the "dropbox backup" program decided to kick in. It moved all my [documents, downloads, photos, etc.] dropbox linked folders from windows to "Dropbox backup". No big deal right? WRONG. Now these files do in fact sync, but the files are not accessible on mobile or the dropbox website unless you go to the "backup" section. I asked how to revert these changes, keep my files syncing how they were. I was told I could NOT. This is unacceptable. I was told to simply "reupload my files to dropbox". I shouldnt have to do extra work that was caused by a change i did not agree to. If i start creating new folders simply to have my crap show up how it did originally, I am wasting local storage space and also compeltely RUINING any file path dependencies I have set with these synced folders. How can I undo this absolute mess of a change. If I cannot I will be canceling my subscription and moving to other providers like OneDrive. You removed files-on-demand functionality and sync from the main windows user folders. This was the main thing I used dropbox for and now I cant.

Example:

My photos folder used to sync to dropbox and display any photos on the mobile app in a nicely organized manner. Now I am forced to go in a web browser, go to the dropbox backup page, scroll through folders, figure out whichever photos is, yada yada....Now that is compeltely broken and this is the state of my photos:

Screenshot 2024-05-02 204055.png

Rich

@vaizor wrote:
How can I undo this absolute mess of a change.

You can't revert to the former backup functionality, but that's really a good thing because it wasn't really a backup. All it did was MOVE your key folders into the Dropbox folder so they could sync. It wasn't a true backup. Now, it is, or at least a step or two closer to a true backup.

That said, you can easily recreate the old functionality yourself, at least if you're on Windows (maybe Mac, I don't know). Just move your key folders into your Dropbox folder. Look at the Properties of your Desktop, Documents, etc. and you'll see a Location tab. You can use this to move the folder to a new location (don't move it manually, you'll break it).

Just move it to your Dropbox folder and you've recreated the old functionality; a key folder on your computer that syncs to Dropbox and is accessible from your other devices.

Briskola

Same problem here. Dropbox backup was once very useful, but then over time they started removing the ability to move files between backup and dropbox and now I can't even see them from the mobile app anymore. Over the last 2 years they have unfortunately ruined what was a great feature. Now I have to find an alternative, can anyone give me some advice?

vaizor

Thing is i dont even NEED this backup functionality. I need the file-sync/files-on-demand. I make music and sync my folders between a windows desktop and a MacOS laptop. This update completely destroyed this functionality. The fact that i got my post merged into this thread proves im not the only one pissed off with this change. The fact that this isn’t OPT in is beyond me. Absolutely idiotic decision by DropBox.

Spushor

What has happened here is an example big Tech arrogance and disregard for the Customer and lack of communication in regards to the nature of this back up and the elimination of important functionality the syncing of the Mac desktop into the dropbox mobile devices visibility of the flawed back up.

In my case a dialog box was sent to me on a midnight on a Saturday. I was going on vacation. I had no warning no courtesy email no nothing from Dropbox explaining what was going to happen to me.

This shows a lack of courtesy and respect to the customer .

It is arrogant and unacceptable at the least, and email should’ve been sent to the users explaining the upcoming backup and the functionalities that would be eliminated .

That did not happen and this is why a lot of customers are unhappy. I wish I could find an alternative right now and I’ll be on the lookout to see if anything else I can do to replace Dropbox because I’m sick of this lack of communication - this dialogue box being thrown on me without any warning confusion about the back up and the elimination of functionality I pay for on a yearly basis - you’ve gone backwards not forwards for no reason given why this particular functionality was taken away from Mac users .

Had Dropbox in a proper way in a courteous way communicated in advance - maybe customers like me wouldn’t be so upset .

vaizor

By the way, I have a performance in 30 minutes and my files were in dropbox for my visuals. I have to relink all the files dropbox moved all around. Lets just say I have some choice words to say about that.

Spushor

Why is my Mac Desktop files on DB file Backups/Mac/Desktop file not visible on my iPhone Dropbox app? I demand that Dropbox restore that functionality. What are you doing? End the corporate arrogance and big Tech and inconsiderate behavior toward its customers.

the_ood

I've been using Dropbox on my work and home Mac and PC for years and I loved the fact that I had the ability to access the files stored in my Documents and Downloads folders of either PC. You guys destroyed that experience completely. I've been a Dropbox user for years and I am seriously considering moving to another service as a result.

Don't you people have product managers that do customer forums to ask what WE want for new features? What you did here is completely ignore us. It was a stupid, insane change to a solution that worked well before and now its trash. I'm hoping that someone in your product group sees this and the number of negative comments this has generated.

the_ood

I have three computers, all with Dropbox. I've been using Dropbox for years. One of the best features was the fact that you can backup your documents and downloads directories from all computers and access all of those directories from any of my computers. The computers would show up in separate directories (Mac 1, PC 1, etc) so it was easy to get access to those files. Further, we could choose not to keep those files offline, which freed up even more space.

Yesterday I noticed that my downloads folders were no longer accessible from other computers. The folders were backed up now, but only viewable across computers on Dropbox Web. Worse, I could not move those files to other directories anymore. The entire experience is broken. After doing some research, I found that Dropbox actually intentionally changed this feature completely and broke what was an excellent way of sharing files? Now I am forced to just create a separate directory and dump all of my docs there in order to get the desired result.

What in the world possessed you people to make such a change? It's incredibly shortsighted of you. Doesn't your product managers conduct customer forums to get actionable feedback, rather than ignore us? I have to tell you, without this I am seriously considering jumping to another service.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Adding another disappointed reply to this thread - this was absolutely the best and most useful feature of Dropbox. Why oh why you would decide to remove it - and even worse without warning or explanation - is completely, utterly bonkers.