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Forum Discussion

Mikecofee's avatar
Mikecofee
Explorer | Level 3
3 months ago

How to keep some files hidden from my device?

Hello,
I have a Dropbox account that I use for both personal and professional matters.
I'm very happy with Dropbox.
I have now on a new computer at work where I'd like to run a Dropbox software synced to my Dropbox account.
The problem I have is that I would like to see and sync on this new computer only some files for professional use, the rest of my Dropbox files remaining invisible and offline.
The idea is that if someone else uses the computer, he has no access to personal data.

I would love to be able to do that without being forced to buy a new subscription fir a second account...
Is it possible?

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

    Hey Mikecofee, let's jump right into this! 

     

    What would work for you and what's close to your needs is our selective sync feature. 

     

    However, "selective sync" is a feature that allows you to choose which folders to sync to a particular computer not individual files. It's a great option if you'd like to free up disk space too. 

     

    You can use "Selective Sync" by following the steps in this help center article.

     

    Thanks a bunch!

    • Mikecofee's avatar
      Mikecofee
      Explorer | Level 3

      Hello Megan, thank you for your input!

      If i use "selective sync", then my computer at work will only have certain files synced , which is good !

      But the files that didn't sync localy will still be accessible on this particular computer via download, right ?

      Once you access the dropbox app on a computer, you have access to the files that are online and offline, the difference is that the offline files are longer to view.

       

      I would like to make these offline files unvisible an unaccessible ...or only via a code without affecting the accessibility of the files on my other computers ...

      Is that possible ?

       

      Best regards

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

        Hey Mikecofee, if someone has access to the app, then they could indeed change the settings and make these folders available locally. 

         

        At the moment, we don't have a feature that would make them invisible and entirely inaccessible, I'm afraid. 

         

        Would using another user profile help at all? 

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