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__sarah__'s avatar
__sarah__
Explorer | Level 4
5 months ago

I see a grey X next to my Windows files and they can't be opened after disabling computer backup

Hello! I used to use the backup feature of Dropbox for my computer. Notably, this included my Documents folder (on Windows 10). At some point I turned off the backup feature because I thought I didn'...
Computer Backup
Desktop
Dropbox Backup
Error Messages
Sync
Windows
__sarah__'s avatar
__sarah__
Explorer | Level 4

Hi Nancy, thank you for taking a look at my post.

 

I was not aware of this article when I turned off backup, but I think what I did was similar. I believe that I did it through my browser instead of the desktop app. I remember deleting the backup when I wanted to turn the backing up off. (Perhaps it was required to turn it off? I don't recall.) I do not recall being faced with a choice like "5. Click Keep content in folders on this PC/Mac or Leave content in Dropbox" and if I was what I might have chosen. 

 

Here is a screenshot of the requested link

requested screenshot

 

aside: I perceive "backup" as meaning copying my files to the cloud but not removing them from the original machine, as opposed to "sync" which I would interpret as possibly making files online-only. If this is a misinterpretation of the product then I am a bit worried.

Walter's avatar
Walter
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
5 months ago

Hey __sarah__  - do you happen to be running any 3rd party apps like One Drive, for example?

 

Also, have you tried copying or moving those files to another location on your computer to see if the issue persists? 

  • __sarah__'s avatar
    __sarah__
    Explorer | Level 4
    5 months ago

    Hi Walter. As stated in my original post, I do not have One Drive. I have indeed tried copying the files, and the copy fails. Here is a screenshot.

    file copying failure on file with grey X

    • Hannah's avatar
      Hannah
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
      5 months ago

      Hey __sarah__, how about moving one of the files, instead of copying it? Does that make any difference?

      • __sarah__'s avatar
        __sarah__
        Explorer | Level 4
        5 months ago

        Hi Hannah. Moving the files seems to work without issue.

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