Forum Discussion

Explorer | Level 4

7 years ago

Re: Smart Sync set to Online Only but still taking up storage on macOS 10.13.4.

Hello! I am also having the same problem with smart sync, although I am using macOS 10.13.4. I have a folder set to online-only, but it is still taking up the free space from my SSD.

Sync

Jane
7 years ago
Thanks a lot for getting back in touch with me here with these additional details slypapp!

As it’s my understanding that there’s a discrepancy when it come to the usage reported on your hard disc, I’d like to send you a couple more details below & we’ll take it from there.

Initially, do you see all your files in this folder being saved locally (despite your choice being otherwise) or some of your files in this folder?

Can you also let me know some example file types, where you’ve noticed this behavior?

Incidentally, are there any applications that constantly or persistently look at your files (or monitor your Dropbox folder)? If so, please note that your files may be accessed in the background if you didn't recall them manually & for that reason these are saved locally anew. If this is the case, I'd suggest testing by temporarily quitting or disabling applications systematically until you see that the issue is resolved (i.e. once you set the folder to “Online-only” & this doesn’t change without your input).

Thanks again & I’ll be awaiting your next reply with your findings here!
PhilipvS
7 years ago
And here's more GOOD news! I just realized that on a Mac, at least, I can simpy use <command> i to get info on any folder on my (500GB) mac. The Dropbox folder is 942GB - that's what shows in Finder. BUT!!! <command> i shows BOTH: 942,787,185,844 bytes (352 GB on disk) for 392,264 items This works at all folder levels. - Voila! Solution to MY problem. Hope that helps others....

Jane

Dropbox Staff

7 years ago

Hey slypapp,

Thanks for posting on the Dropbox Forum on your Smart Sync inquiry, I’d happily check back with you & help determine the possible causes of the behavior!

You may keep in mind that I’ve made sure to move your post on a separate thread, as it’s my understanding that you’re running a Beta (or experimental) OS Build, hence I wanted to see if this happened on the “10.13.3” version as well.

Additionally, can you clarify if the the screenshot of the issue you’ve experienced refers to a file or folder?

Once I have this info, I’d happily analyze & troubleshoot with you. Thanks again & I’m looking forward to hearing back from you!

slypapp
Explorer | Level 4
7 years ago
Dear Jane,

Thanks for your fast reply. I am using the newest macOS, not beta. Just upgraded a few days ago, but I also had this problem before with 10.13.3.

Sorry, it is in Hungarian, and I have set up a custom icon for this certain folder. But it is a folder, yes. Also experiencing this with other folders aswell.

Thx
Best regards.
- Jane
  Dropbox Staff
  7 years ago
  Thanks a lot for getting back in touch with me here with these additional details slypapp!
  
  As it’s my understanding that there’s a discrepancy when it come to the usage reported on your hard disc, I’d like to send you a couple more details below & we’ll take it from there.
  
  Initially, do you see all your files in this folder being saved locally (despite your choice being otherwise) or some of your files in this folder?
  
  Can you also let me know some example file types, where you’ve noticed this behavior?
  
  Incidentally, are there any applications that constantly or persistently look at your files (or monitor your Dropbox folder)? If so, please note that your files may be accessed in the background if you didn't recall them manually & for that reason these are saved locally anew. If this is the case, I'd suggest testing by temporarily quitting or disabling applications systematically until you see that the issue is resolved (i.e. once you set the folder to “Online-only” & this doesn’t change without your input).
  
  Thanks again & I’ll be awaiting your next reply with your findings here!
  - jquintanilla4
    Explorer | Level 4
    7 years ago
    So I wrote this already, but i got my reply deleted because it thought it was spam. This rewrite will be shorter.
    
    I am currently running 48.4.58 stable version on MacOS 10.13.4. I've set 37GB to online online, but only 5GB are actually acting as advertised. The remaining 32GB are being read by MacOS as still being there and filling up storage space.
    
    I've noticed the files themselves are 0kb once you drilled down to the files within the folders, but their correspoinding folders report as if they were still there with their full size. MacOS interprets them as being in their full size.
    
    I've had this problem now since the new Professional plan was released. I've reached out to the support, they've told me MacOS is wrong, told me the storage is not being used, and to basically ignore it because MacOS is showing wrong info.
    
    There is no other applications or servies requiring those folders to be downloaded or be activated, so i know that's not the problem. The file types are pretty much all .jpeg. .mov .mp4 .mp3 .docx .pptx .xlx .cad .cd4 .mb .pdf etc etc etc...
    
    Is there any new fix to this problem aside from ignoring it? would love to actually have the service work as advertised.