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Ric S's avatar
Ric S
New member | Level 2
3 days ago

Dropbox keeps downloading files although new files are set to sync as online-only

I run my computers via both fibre-based internet as well as via limited cellular network. The problem always has been -- even though 'on-line only' is selected -- dropbox always downloads.

Primarily if a file has been uploaded on another computer and downloads consistently on my other computer -- even though 'on-line only' is selected.

My files are typically 300Mb - 3gb so it is most troublesome.

I use dropbox both as a 3tb backup of my data as well as sharing with a couple of people certain folders. Regardless, if a new file has been uploaded it still downloads onto another computer using my data up. So have had to uninstall Dropbox.

Also, I run Carbon copy ... of which only changes/adds files that are new. But again ... Dropbox insists on uploading all files. Very painful.

Is there something I am missing.

(Mac user)

 cheers

  • Hannah's avatar
    Hannah
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Sorry to hear that, Ric S.

    When files that are set to online-only keep getting downloaded to a computer, it usually means that there's a third party app looking at those files, causing them to get downloaded.

    Examples of this include:

    • Backup services
    • Antivirus
    • Recently used file lists
    • Third party applications that monitor files in general

     

    If there are applications that constantly look at your files and causing this behavior, I'd suggest you test which app is the issue by temporarily quitting or disabling apps systematically until you see that the issue is resolved. 

    Let me know what you find.

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