How Dropbox works?

Claremac

I've been using Dropbox for a while but I think I've been using it incorrectly. For example, I have my Dropbox folder on my D drive and folders in there such as Photos, Documents etc. But I also have folders on the same D drive called Photos, Documents etc which I keep in sync with the Dropbox folders manually. I'm now thinking I don't need to do this and that having the folders in the Dropbox folder is enough? I am running out of space on my hard drive and would like to delete the other folders.

Incidentally, I also use Carbonite as a proper backup so this is just for syncing across my devices. Thank you.

Neil_Jones

There is a special Dropbox folder that you put the stuff you want to sync to the online service with. Just put what you want to keep in there, change it as appropriate and it does it all for you.

zagubov

Are you using the free version or the paid-for one?

The free one is being updated (translate: downgraded) to only work on three devices instead of however many you were running it on.

It is a very good and useful program but if it asks you to update your software, I'd research further before I did it.

buglawton

That's interesting. I use free Dropbox on phone, tablet, home PC and work PC. 3 device limit = dealbreaker. Move to Google Drive or is MS Onedrive the best free alternative?

Neil_Jones

Not necessarily...

https://zapier.com/blog/free-dropbox-account-three-device-limit/

https://zapier.com/blog/free-dropbox-account-three-device-limit/ wrote:

the change, which Dropbox quietly announced earlier this month in a help document, only kicks in if you're trying to add a new device:

If you're a Basic user and you linked more than three devices prior to March 2019, all of your previously linked devices will remain linked, but you can’t link additional devices.

This means anyone with more than three devices connected doesn't have to worry right this instant. That will change, however, when it comes time to replace one of your current devices or if you add another device to your collection. At that point, you will have to make a decision.

zagubov

buglawton wrote: »

That's interesting. I use free Dropbox on phone, tablet, home PC and work PC. 3 device limit = dealbreaker. Move to Google Drive or is MS Onedrive the best free alternative?

Steady on! It's a good service as it is. Are you sure you want to use a cloud service that ties you to one platform?

How about box.com or pCloud etc. Look around at the alternatives, there may be some better choices.:)

tempus_fugit

Google Drive and One Drive do not tie you to one platform.

buglawton

I'm due a new work laptop soon so will need a replacement for Dropbox sharpish. For business use itself I've already got Box installed so can't use that for personal. I can understand business users being nudged to pay for Dropbox but a 3 device limit to me is comical for personal use in the modern age. A subscription is £8/month which the same as a Netflix subscription!

The MSE article covering Dropbox is out of date, making no mention of this new limitation.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/free-online-storage/#dropbox

I'll be looking for a replacement that supports auto folder syncing on PC and iPhone. Plus 2 factor authentication of course.

grumpycrab

Claremac wrote: »

I have my Dropbox folder on my D drive and folders in there such as Photos, Documents etc. But I also have folders on the same D drive called Photos, Documents etc which I keep in sync with the Dropbox folders manually.

Neil_Jones wrote: »

There is a special Dropbox folder that you put the stuff you want to sync to the online service with.

So, stupid question of the day... can you configure Dropbox to use the actual Photos and Documents folders? (subject to the understanding that this is a sync tool, and not a backup tool.)

Neil_Jones

grumpycrab wrote: »

So, stupid question of the day... can you configure Dropbox to use the actual Photos and Documents folders? (subject to the understanding that this is a sync tool, and not a backup tool.)

In theory yes if you change their default locations in Windows to match the Dropbox folder (right-click -> Properties -> Location -> Move).

However remember on a basic Dropbox account you only get 2Gb and it can fill up quite quickly if you're not watching it.

Claremac

OP here. I am actually using the paid version as I am way over the free limit. I think that grumpycrab asked the question I should have asked. That would be ideal, using the normal Pictures, Documents etc folders but having Dropbox back them up. Hopefully getting a new laptop and as they are all SSDs these days I have to be more careful with how much data I have as I can't afford a 1Tb drive.