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Forum Discussion

Brian39's avatar
Brian39
Helpful | Level 6
9 months ago

I need to update the changes on all computers & sync them.

I changed a document stored in the Dropbox folder on my desktop on Friday and it was immediately updated on my desktop.  My wife has been changing files on a shared folder on her desktop all afternoon and Dropbox keeps notifying me of the updates on my desktop.  All is working as it should, I thought.  Then I opened a document that I updated on my laptop on Saturday and the updates have not been made in either my desktop folder or in All Files on the Dropbox site.  I right clicked on the file on my laptop and viewed it in Dropbox and it showed the amendments.  When I did the same on my desktop the amendments weren't there!  I presume therefore that 'view' refers to the file on the laptop which is being viewed by proxy on Dropbox and I am not viewing the file that exists on the Dropbox site.

 

I have used 1.5GB of 2.75GB storage.  Why is Dropbox being inconsistent in updates.  How can I ensure that all the Dropbox files from all my computers update on all other computers consistently please?

  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

    I'm not sure where you were 'viewing' the file from if I'm honest - that wasnt clear. 

     

    BUT Dropbox should sync to all devices. If it isnt check its running: www.dropbox.com/downloading AND that it isnt showing errors on the screen when you mouse over its icon on the status bar. 

    • Brian39's avatar
      Brian39
      Helpful | Level 6

      Thank you, Mark.  I was viewing the file in Dropbox on my desktop expecting it to be the version as the one on my laptop.  We have a shared folder which my wife uses on her desktop and her files always appear updated on both my machines.  I've assumed that the systems should be reciprocal.  The situation seems inconsistent.  Sometimes they're updated sometimes not.    I have the Dropbox app showing on both my computers and haven't seen errors.  Finally I uploaded the file in question from my laptop and was able to view it on my desktop. So I'm beginning to wonder if it's the laptop that's the problem.  I've looked at the help file but not of the solutions seem to be appropriate.  I guess like many computer problems I'll just have to keep fiddling about until it's sorted.  I just hope I remember to write it down when I find it. 🙂

      • Mark's avatar
        Mark
        Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

        Brian39 Are they big files? If so you need to give it time for Dropbox to sync and go to the standard icon again before it can download to other devices. That is often what some people miss - especially on laptops where you just slam lid down when done 😉 

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