Dropbox randomly removed locally synced files.

Question

I have an active project folder, about 1TB, set to selectively sync and make all files available offline.

The 4TB drive on which I'm working is dedicated to this project and has 3TB of additional free space.

Despite all of this, once or twice a week, Dropbox will de-sync every single file and folder in the project, leaving me unable to work until everything has re-downloaded.

Earlier today, I was actively working in After Effects and all of my linked footage items started to ring up as missing in the project. I switched over to Finder and watched all of the project folders de-sync and disappear from my system. I'm now in the middle of attempting to re-sync again.

Mac OS 26.3, File Provider

https://i.imgur.com/FmrWVKZ.png

jmichaelb · Answer

https://i.imgur.com/FmrWVKZ.png

Walter · Answer

Thank you for the additional information there @jmichaelb!

When it comes to the screenshot, could you try copying and pasting it to your reply box instead?

jmichaelb · Answer

I am on the File Provider version, yes.

And yes, that's exactly it. The folders are removed from my selective sync settings. The folders I have set to selective sync will "uncheck themselves" for lack of a better way to explain it. It just happened again 20 minutes ago and I am once again re-downloading the entire project. I was working on the project, had a meeting, and when I came back the project was once again un-synced. It seems to be completely random and spontaneous.

My app is currently downloading, but, when the files are residing on my system as intended, I generally have the "all files synced" message. My sync prefs report no issues. App version is 248.4.3576.

Unfortunately, when I try to attach a screenshot directly, I get a pop-up that says "permission problem." The screenshot was just showing my selective sync settings and available space.