Synchronization in offline mode in Windows is unstable.

[K14M]

I configured my PC client to work offline. And in the settings I chose WHAT FOLDERS I NEED! But at the same time, these folders DO NOT DOWNLOAD to my PC until I try to open them.

Dropbox didn't work like that before. Previously, he downloaded files IMMEDIATELY when I selected them in the settings. How can I make Dropbox DOWNLOAD the files I need without trying to open them?

[K14M]

Why does this folder weigh 536 kilobytes on disk if it weighs 198 megabytes in the cloud? Why is this folder not downloaded to the computer even though there is a checkmark in the Dropbox settings?
Why?

[Megan]

Hey @K14M, let's jump right into this! 

The first thing I'd like to clarify, is if we're talking about selective sync, or making files' status as online-only. 

Also, in the second screenshot, it's not entirely clear to me which folder you're referring to. Can you specify? 

When did this behavior start happening? 

Let me know more, thanks!

[K14M]

In my first message I wrote "to work offline". Is that clearer?

[K14M]

This behavior started immediately after installing the client earlier this month.

[DBoxTips]

Hello @K14M,

When you select a folder in Dropbox selective sync settings, it starts syncing to your computer as online-only. That means it doesn’t fully download the files, it just creates placeholders for them that have the gray cloud icon, just like you experienced.

To achieve what you want here (have that folder be fully downloaded locally), after checking it in selective sync settings you need to go to it in Windows Explorer, right-click it and from the Dropbox context menu select “Make available offline”.

Andrew (DBoxTips)

[K14M]

Then why the hell is there an “offline mode” option in the program settings if it doesn’t **bleep**ing work!? Why the hell can you select folders in the settings that SHOULD BE DOWNLOADED ON A PC if it doesn’t work and requires additional actions? why did you make dropbox worse???

[K14M]

It also says “Select folders that will be STORED on this computer.” STORED ! Do you know the meaning of this word?