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ECB's avatar
ECB
Explorer | Level 3
3 years ago

Files not syncing in Window explorer

Hi, I can't seem to get File Explorer to sync. It used to sync automatically but now it is not. I've logged onto the Dropbox page and tried to download the app and that doesn't seem to do anything. 

I have created a folder on drop box app for my upcoming holidays called "2022 Trip."

When I log onto my computer (using windows) I can't find it in my file explorer. 

They seem to be out of sync. I've read the forums about syncing but I can't see a sync function or menu or button to do this. 

I've logged onto the drop box web page and tried to find it in settings but can't. 

I am on the basic free access and still have space. 

Please help. I'm not very computer savy and I've read through all the community pages but can't see my problem listed. 

  • KimmeL's avatar
    KimmeL
    Explorer | Level 4

    Been using DB for at least 20 years. Equipment has changed over time and never had a problem. Not sure what's happened now but a few weeks ago my DB initially started slowing down how long it would take to sync. At first a few hours. Then a couple of days. Etc. Now it has completely stopped syncing all together.

    I typically use the Desktop app in my Windows File Explorer window.

    I've been through all the help articles and am basically at the last option of where it is telling me to uninstall and reinstall the desktop app.

    My question is, everything that I have uploaded over the last few weeks (I don't even recall what 'everything' would be)....will it be retained if I uninstall that desktop app where they're loaded and where I can currently view them but noone else can. Or am I going to lose everything from the last few weeks?

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

      Hi KimmeL, I'd be more than happy to help! 

       

      When you say that the app isn't syncing, could you check the version you're using along with the sync status, and let me know what they report? 

       

      Now, in regards to your question, it would be safer to keep a copy of the content that hasn't been synced online. You can double check what you see on your Dropbox account online, vs what you see inside the Dropbox folder, and keep a backup of these files/folders.

       

      When you uninstall, then re-install, the app should resume syncing the changes, but we want to be certain that you don't lose any of your edits, and content. 

       

      I hope this clarifies! 

      • KimmeL's avatar
        KimmeL
        Explorer | Level 4

        Thanks Megan.

        There actually is no sync status anymore. And it's also not appearing anymore in my taskbar. I have no idea what happened. Perhaps an automatic Windows update made it go wonky? I've found that happen with other things after a Windows update.

        I've decided to just copy my entire DB folder from File Explorer where I've been loading documents onto a flash drive or OneDrive, and then will unistall and reinstall. Then I'll gradually start comparing with the copied folder that I made of what has actually synced vs what hasn't. It will take some time to do that. As I mentioned this has been going on for a few weeks so I'm going to have to go through folder by folder to see what docs didn't sync.

    • ECB's avatar
      ECB
      Explorer | Level 3

      thank you sooo much! this did work. 

      Downloading the app worked. 

      I could see in my start menu there was a drop box app but it wasn't launching anything. 

      This makes sense and I can now see in Windows Explorer the syncing icon. 

      thank you so much for your assistance. 

  • acfks1's avatar
    acfks1
    New member | Level 2

    I have dropbox on 2 computers (1 at primary home and 1 at a 2nd home).  I have been working on my 1st computer (at primary home) and when I get to my 2nd computer, dropbox has not synced with the 1st computer and the online account did not sync either.

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

      Sounds like Dropbox on computer 1 isnt running OR is showing an error. 

       

      When you are home check for its icon on the status bar (near clock) and if it is there mouse over it to see what it says. If it is not there relaunch it via the Apps/Start menu

  • 123Anoop123's avatar
    123Anoop123
    Explorer | Level 3

    Hi There,

     

    I have recently purchased a subscription for plus account (2TB Storage) thinking its the storage issue as I had the basic account initially but my files aren't syncing.

    I can see them on the webpage but files are not syncing to my desktop app, I am using Windows

     

    I did unlink the folder & relinked it thinking it might help but still no progress

    Files are not big, they are mostly PDF's & basic excel files 

     

     

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

      Hey 123Anoop123, sorry to hear about this.

       

      What's the sync status and version of the Dropbox application on your computer?

       

      You can hover over the Dropbox icon in your system tray for this info.

       

      Let me know and we'll go from there.

      • 123Anoop123's avatar
        123Anoop123
        Explorer | Level 3

        Thanks for the prompt reply Hannah,

         

        Syn status is (your files are up to date)

         

        Cheers

        Anoop

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