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Forum Discussion
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
Dropbox 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.
Hi Hannah,
I'm having the same issue right now, and I can confirm that there are no other third party applications looking at the new files that I created on another computer. And since the files are big, I'm experiencing the same trouble Ric is going through.
- Nancy
Hi SunumOfisi, hope you don’t mind if I jump in.
Just to make sure I got it right, you add/create files on another computer and then, they sync locally on your current device, instead of online-only. Correct?
Can you send me a screenshot of your sync settings as they appear under the Sync tab of your app preferences (on the device that's having this issue)?
