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Forum Discussion

Skell's avatar
Skell
Explorer | Level 4
2 months ago

Exceeding Dropbox Basic storage and need to delete any duplicate files

Hi   I have exceeded the 2 gb of free Dropbox Basic storage (in UK) - only by a small amount but it has stopped syncing. I do not want to upgrade, so am hoping to delete or find duplicated docume...
Delete
Desktop
Dropbox Backup
Storage space
Mark's avatar
Mark
Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
2 months ago

Yes they probably are duplicated. But dont forget that they work as 2 different systems. So backup wont let you edit/change/share etc. it is just a 'container' of all files. You cannot get things out to do with it anything - it restores it all. 

 

As for desktop - that's only something you can decide...

  • Skell's avatar
    Skell
    Explorer | Level 4
    2 months ago

    Hi Mark

    Thank you for replying so quickly.

     

    Apologies but I only have a very basic knowledge of Dropbox. 

     

    I don't know what the 2 different systems are that you refer to.

     

    I'm backing documents up in case my laptop ever stops working. I presume that I can download documents from my Dropbox backup and save them to a new laptop and then be able to edit them, etc as I wish?

     

    Is that correct?

     

    Also, how would I delete the Regular Files - as they are only noted on the coloured bar in the overview of my account showing the storage breakdown? Where are they actually listed?

     

    Thank you.

    Skell

    • Mark's avatar
      Mark
      Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
      2 months ago

      Hi @Skell 

       

      Yes thats how backup works. 

       

      However, what I mean is that the backup files are pretty much locked to that. 

       

      You cannot do things like you can the regular unbacked up ones. For example share between devices (so open them on a phone, or a laptop), share them with a family friend etc. 

       

      Those files show at www.dropbox.com/home

      • Skell's avatar
        Skell
        Explorer | Level 4
        2 months ago
        Hi Mark,

        I’d quite like to just delete the whole folder and save it afresh, in Backup. I hope that would get rid of any duplications.

        Can I do that?
        Will I need to delete my whole Dropbox account and start again? I’m happy to do that if I can.

        Many thanks
        Skell

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