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msmorto92's avatar
msmorto92
Helpful | Level 6
3 years ago

Drop box taking up space

I have a 2T plan on my Mac the dropbox folder is taking up 1.02 T.   on line when I look at my account it says:

 
Regular files (208.31 GB)
 
Shared files (1.08 GB)
 
Unused space (1.8 TB)
 
I have 3.2 gig available on the Mac and   Drop box is saying it can't sync.  Why is dropbox taking up 1 T when there is only 210 gig on line.
  • Thank you for the reply what am I reading wrong it says shared files 1.08 gig and 1.8 gig free?
  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

    When you've looked at the space used online you are not including the shared folders. They are using up over 1TB of space. 

    • msmorto92's avatar
      msmorto92
      Helpful | Level 6
      Thank you for the reply what am I reading wrong it says shared files 1.08 gig and 1.8 gig free?
      • Mark's avatar
        Mark
        Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

        Sorry I've misread.

         

        So, I also think you've misunderstood how Dropbox works. 

         

        Dropbox is not, at all, like iCloud used to work. It is a real life physical folder on your device. It takes up and uses space and quota on your device. So, if you are syncing your Dropbox to your computer it is using space. You can easily prove that by disabling your internet connection and opening/editing a file. 

         

        If you want to save space you need to use either Smart Sync or Selective Sync. 

    • msmorto92's avatar
      msmorto92
      Helpful | Level 6

      Hi Megan

      Thank you.  I do have backup on for Desktop 139.7 meg  Documents 4.8 meg  Downloads 55.5 meg

      On Drop Box is says:
      Regular files (208.31 GB)
      Shared files (1.08 GB)
      Unused space (1.8 TB)
      Drop box folder on Mac is now 316.55 gig
      My last response when my Mac said over 500 gig the status in the app was: files up to date, as it is now.  I actually prefer having all of my files on my Mac as opposed to using smart sync.  I am still confused why the dropbox folder is about 100 gig over what is on dropbox.  if you saw my first post before turning on smart sync my dropbox folder was at 1T and syncing was paused and the app said I did not have enough disk space ,  I have a 1 T drive and I had 1.9 gig free.  thank you..
      • Megan's avatar
        Megan
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        Can you send us a few screenshots of what you see on your end, msmorto92

        That'll help us get the visual you have on your end, regarding the files you have online and what you see in your Dropbox folder's properties. 

        Thanks a bunch.
  • Eamonn McDonagh's avatar
    Eamonn McDonagh
    New member | Level 2

    Hi, until yesterday I had 7 or 8 GB of storage space.  I bought a new computer and when I downloaded dropbox it said I had only 2 GB and would I please buy more storage. I have no idea what is going on

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

      You have almost certainly accidentally set up a new account rather than logged in to your old one. 

       

      Have a look at www.dropbox.com/events - does that show activity from before you bought the new computer and installed Dropbox?

  • the one and only 's avatar
    the one and only
    New member | Level 2
    Hi there can someone advise please I'm using Dropbox app on Windows 11 desktop pc and I've setup the Dropbox folder to be online only yet it keeps copying everything to my computer. I use rekordbox pro that has Dropbox unlimited on a laptop and it keeps filling up my desktop pc's main c drive. I am presuming it's an auto sync that I need to turn off but now sure how as i need to keep rekordbox enabled for sync? Many thanks
    • Megan's avatar
      Megan
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

      Hi The One and only, I'd be more than happy to help! 

       

      Can you clarify more, in regards to the rekordbox pro, and how exactly you use it on your end? Do you have the desktop app, installed on your device? 

       

      If so, feel free to let me know the app's syncing status, and version.

       

      Keep me posted!

  • lwalker0312's avatar
    lwalker0312
    New member | Level 2

    Hello,

    I have set up a professional account and I have shared a folder with several others to have access to.  Some people are having issues uploading documents  while others do not.  I also am having issues with people I shared the folder with saying they are over their limit.  If they have their own personal drop box account, my account that they have access to the folders shouldn't impact theirs. 

    Any help is greatly appreciated!

     

    Thank you!

    Lisa

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

      Hi Lisa

       

      Unfortunately you've misunderstood how shared folders work. Your upgrade does not give them any benefit at all. Shared folders use up the quota of everybody within the share. So, if they need read write access to the folder they need to also upgrade. 

       

      Workarounds are shared links and File Requests to get uploads. 

      • lwalker0312's avatar
        lwalker0312
        New member | Level 2

        Thank you Mark for you comment.  One more question - everyone should be able to view documents within folders I share, regardless of whether they have a dropbox account (and limited storage on their personal account) or not correct?

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