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My Backup online shows as 0 bytes. What is happening?

Hi I was able to download the Dropbox App for my surface pro and setup the backup. After successfully backing up, the dropbox online says my "Desktop" "Documents" & "Downloads" backed up but there are 0 bytes in each folder.

I only wanted to back up these three folders.

Can someone please help me?
Thank you, Emily

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Accepted answers

Walter

Did you reboot your computer at all since you first set it up @emihar? If you did and this persists, you can try logging out of your account through the app's preferences and then back in.

Let me know if the app gets stuck at 'updating 2 files' again and we'll take it from there.

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Megan

Hey there, @emihar welcome to our Community!

Based on the screenshot that you've provided, it looks like the app is still updating content, which could justify why your Backup shows as 0 bytes online.

When did you download the desktop app, and how long has it been updating these 3 files for?

Do you have many or large files inside your "Desktop" "Documents" & "Downloads" folders?

While we're at it, can you also let me know more in regards to the app's current version, and its syncing status when you hover your mouse over the little Dropbox icon in your taskbar, next to your WiFi?

Keep me posted, and we'll take it from there!

emihar

Strange, I wrote a reply but it disappeared. I'll rewrite.

emihar

Hi Megan,

I downloaded the dropbox app to my computer on March 1st. I selected to backup just 3 folders Desktop, Documents, Downloads.

I remember there was an option to ignore folders but I decided it was easier just to select the folders I wanted to backup.

I clicked Backup and in the Dropbox app on my computer, it says a Backup was updated on 3/1/2026 at 11:36 AM. But, when I looked at Dropbox online, all of the folders were 0 bytes.

Now, I'm on my 3rd day of Updating the Backup. It seems to never end. (Sorry, it wouldn't all me to attach my screenshot. I got a warning message)

Did I do something wrong?

Thank you,
Emily

p.s. Nothing appears when I hover over the dropbox icon in my taskbar. ?

emihar

Walter

Did you reboot your computer at all since you first set it up @emihar? If you did and this persists, you can try logging out of your account through the app's preferences and then back in.

Let me know if the app gets stuck at 'updating 2 files' again and we'll take it from there.

emihar

Hi Walter, I followed your instructions and it worked!! Thank you!

Best, Emily

Hannah

Thanks for keeping us updated, @emihar!

I'm happy to see your issue was resolved.

If you need anything else, let us know!