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Forum Discussion

shahaf's avatar
shahaf
Explorer | Level 3
4 months ago

How can I view all Dropbox files on the desktop app and have them not take up space?

New to Dropbox just downloaded the app, when installing it asked me to choose which Files I wanted to Sync to my pc. I don't have a lot of storage left on my PC so I selected none.   I want t...
Desktop
Preview
Storage space
Sync
Windows
Megan's avatar
Megan
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

Hey shahaf, let's jump right into this! 

 

When you install our desktop app locally, that creates a local Dropbox folder with all of your files to the device.

 

That folder will naturally take up your local hard drive space. If your hard drive space is low, your option to choose which folders to sync when installing the app was the wisest.

 

It sounds like you used selective sync to remove these folders. You can check our relevant Help Center article, in order to see how to revert this setting and choose which folders to sync to the device.

 

If you have any questions, let me know!

shahaf's avatar
shahaf
Explorer | Level 3
4 months ago

Thank you Megan

but now all my files have this tiny gray x symbol next to them, that disappears only after I open a file and then I get a notification that the file has downloaded.

+ it takes a long time for images to upload to the folder (image attached)

again, just looking for the same thing I have with my ONEdrive or Google Drive, a folder on my PC that doesn't take space and I can access to my files quickly.

 

I found an article  that says it means there is a syncing problem
I quit and reopened Dropbox- still slow  upload and gray x

https://help.dropbox.com/sync/files-not-syncing

 

  • shahaf's avatar
    shahaf
    Explorer | Level 3
    4 months ago

    • Nancy's avatar
      Nancy
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
      4 months ago

      Hi from me as well, shahaf. The grey X icon you’re seeing indicates indeed that there could be a syncing issue between the file on your desktop app and your online account.

       

      If you go to www.dropbox.com, are you seeing all of your files properly?

       

      When clicking on the small arrow in your system tray (where your clock settings are), do you see a small Dropbox icon? If yes, what’s the syncing status it reports?

      • shahaf's avatar
        shahaf
        Explorer | Level 3
        4 months ago

        Hi Nancy

        there is a small red x on the Dropbox icon at the tall bar and when I hover with my mouse it says "up to date"

        I Do know that my dropbox is full, is that related?

         

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