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Forum Discussion

CathRA's avatar
CathRA
Explorer | Level 3
2 years ago

Getting Dropbox Backup to work on my machine

I've got a desktop PC running Windows 10.  I've had a free Dropbox account for some time which I've accessed solely through the web.  Recently I've upgraded to the 2TB option as I want to use Dropbox...
Desktop
Dropbox Backup
Setting up the apps
  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    2 years ago

    Hi CathRA, the Dropbox desktop application itself can only be installed on the system drive. 

     

    The Dropbox folder can exist on another drive entirely, however. In order to enable the Dropbox Backup feature, the system folders, Desktop, Documents and Downloads need to be in their default locations in order for the backup to be initiated.

     

    This is because those folders are then moved into the Dropbox folder directly in order to be backed up to the site. 

CathRA's avatar
CathRA
Explorer | Level 3

Thanks for your reply.  I've never had my documents in my C drive.  The computer is set up so only programme files are on my C drive and documents are on my D drive.  I've put the Dropbox app in my D drive.  is the key point that the Dropbox app and the documents have to be on the same drive?

Jay's avatar
Jay
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
2 years ago

Hi CathRA, the Dropbox desktop application itself can only be installed on the system drive. 

 

The Dropbox folder can exist on another drive entirely, however. In order to enable the Dropbox Backup feature, the system folders, Desktop, Documents and Downloads need to be in their default locations in order for the backup to be initiated.

 

This is because those folders are then moved into the Dropbox folder directly in order to be backed up to the site. 

  • CathRA's avatar
    CathRA
    Explorer | Level 3
    2 years ago

    Thanks for this.  it's useful to distinguish between the Dropbox app and the folder.  I've checked the app is in the C  systems drive with my other programme files.  During the set up process I've put the folder on the D drive with my documents etc.  I'm not sure what you mean by default locations.  The computer was made to my specifications with 2 internal drives - the C drive for system/programme files and the D drive for documents etc. so to that extent they are in their default location with the Dropbox folder.  I'll try again to set up the backup and see what happens.

    • Rich's avatar
      Rich
      Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
      2 years ago
      CathRA wrote:

      I'm not sure what you mean by default locations.

      The default location for the Desktop, Documents and Downloads folders is within your user profile on the C: drive, typically C:\Users\[your username]\.

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