You might see that the Dropbox Community team have been busy working on some major updates to the Community itself! So, here is some info on what’s changed, what’s staying the same and what you can expect from the Dropbox Community overall.

Forum Discussion

Nick7879's avatar
Nick7879
Explorer | Level 3
5 months ago

I don't enjoy the new Backup and the way to utilize it.

I have iMac at my desk. I use Macbook when I travel. Until recently, the list of Dropbox folders conveniently showed me backups of both computers on all my devices, including phones and iPads. So, I could fetch whatever document from either of those backups anytime. Recently, I bought a new Macbook for travel and migrated the old one to it. I deleted the old backup and disconnected my old computer. I created backup at the new Macbook.
But I can't see the Macbook backup as a folder in my Dropbox list of folders anywhere: neither at the iMac, nor at my phone's App, not even in the list of All Files when I visit Dropbox.com. The only way to get to it is to visit their 'new location' - All Backups - https://www.dropbox.com/backup
I spent hours trying to troubleshoot what seemed like a technical issue, only to find out it's a design choice by Dropbox. Here is their Support's response:
Please do keep in mind that we have a new backup feature, and now, for security purposes you can now access your backup only through our website.
I just can't believe it! This is the highest level of stupidity I've ever seen from a vendor. I can't access my files in Dropbox on my phone or iPad, except when logging in to their website using the web browser. It's my backup, files, phone, and Dropbox account. What else do they need to protect my security? I've been Dropbox paying client for years. This change I can't accept. It's time to move to iCloud.
PS. If you have yet to create a new backup, you won't even notice this. The feature has not been officially announced. New users would never have learned how convenient Dropbox was in the past - not anymore.

  • KTMac's avatar
    KTMac
    Explorer | Level 4

    I am facing the same issue and it is 100% unacceptable. I can't access files, edit, save, and email them. Dropbox was PERFECT 6 months ago. It is a nightmare now and I will be leaving. Access to email only support with a 14hr lag during the workweek is not acceptable either. 

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

    Hey Nick7879, thanks for posting here! 

     

    Sorry to hear about this, and thanks for sharing your thoughts with our Community! 

     

    Your feedback regarding our Backup has been very valuable and I will endeavor to make sure your voice is heard.

     

    I will pass on your comments to the relevant departments so that we can further improve our product.

     

    Thanks a bunch!

    • KTMac's avatar
      KTMac
      Explorer | Level 4

      Megan--this issue has to be resolved. It is unworkable for the customer. I will be leaving Dropbox this week if this is not resolved. 

       

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

        KTMac wrote:

        Megan--this issue has to be resolved. It is unworkable for the customer. I will be leaving Dropbox this week if this is not resolved. 

         


        Unfortunately this is a new 'by design' feature. There isnt anything to resolve in the current design/implementation. 

         

        As has been said though continue to make things clear here, but, it isnt going to be changed / updated within a week or so. 

         

        Dropbox syncing however (not backup!) may do what you want - just not with extra folders. 

    • Nick7879's avatar
      Nick7879
      Explorer | Level 3

      Thank you, Megan.
      I don't think they gonna listen, though.
      As a friendly advice, tell them to stop lying, at minimum.
      Here is what your 'Welcome to Dropbox Backup' message states:
      View backups whenever, wherever
      Now you can view your files from anywhere with our mobile app or on the web at dropbox.com/backups/all.
      This is not true. The backups are not accessible with the mobile app.

      • KTMac's avatar
        KTMac
        Explorer | Level 4

        We are paying to store and access for OUR convenience; this is insane.  I have wasted too much time on this issue also.