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

jerry1995's avatar
jerry1995
Explorer | Level 3
2 years ago

How to stop Dropbox creating folders for backup

For some time, every time I create a new file on my MacBook using Microsoft software that I save to my Dropbox, the computer automatically creates the file (e.g. a document) and a separate folder with a backup copy of the file created. It's annoying, creates clutter, and probably uses extra memory.

How can I stop this so I can just save one copy of the file? It used to work like that for a long time. The other question is whether there is a way to delete the unnecessary backup files automatically. Thank you! 

  • Hi TS13, can you also clarify the Dropbox version you're using on your end, just to ensure you're not using a Beta version?

     

    You can find this by locating your Dropbox icon on the menu bar, next to your WiFi and hovering your mouse there. 

     

    If you could also attach a few screenshots of an example duplicated folder, that'd be amazing, so that we can have a visual too. 

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

    Hey jerry1995, thanks for reaching out to the Dropbox Community.

     

    Dropbox doesn't really have the ability to create files in other locations of your computer.

     

    If you close the Dropbox app completely, does the issue persist?

     

    Keep me posted!

    • jerry1995's avatar
      jerry1995
      Explorer | Level 3

      thanks Hannah. Well, when I use "Save As", say, in Microsoft Word, and specify my dropbox folder as the place to save the file, I then see both the file I created and a separate folder that contains a backup copy of the same file. Something is causing that. Thanks. Tom

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

        Hi jerry1995, sorry to jump in here! 

         

        Could you send me a screenshot, in order to have a visual of this too? 

  • paulistathiago's avatar
    paulistathiago
    New member | Level 2

    I had the same problem and I have not seem no solution here. I realized that the causes were the Microsoft Office settings. 

    Step 1 - Go to Main and select Preferences
    Step 2 - Select Save Botton that shows in pop-up preferences

    Step 3 - Uncheck "Create a backup allways" checkbox (maybe the name is another, because I use a Portuguese Language and here is look like that.

     

    And now this solve for me!!!