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Forum Discussion

Bravo23's avatar
Bravo23
Explorer | Level 4
2 years ago

Dropbox File Backup

I have managed to stop Dropbox from backing up my Mac but I can not figure out how to stop Dropbox from backing up a file, residing within the Dropbox cloud, that I have just edited.    If I don't ...
Dropbox Backup
Storage space
  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    2 years ago

    Hi Bravo23, from the screenshot, the Dropbox site or service wouldn't create backup files or folders like that. This is most likely related to an app or service you're using to edit the file. Certain programs do create backup folders for restoration reasons.

Bravo23's avatar
Bravo23
Explorer | Level 4

this is a new feature of dropbox a recent update.  every time I edit a file, dropbox automatically creates a new folder using the file name and also automatically creates a backup of the file using the file name pule the word backup appended to the new file name.

 

example: if I edit file XYZ,txt, dropbox will creat a folder named "XYZ.txt" and place a file named "backup of XYZ.txt". this is totally an automated function of dropbox and I would like to turn it off was it consumes space & create junk files & folders I do not want.

thx.

Megan's avatar
Megan
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
2 years ago

Hey Bravo23, can you send us a few screenshots, in order for us to have a clear visual of what you described? 

  • Bravo23's avatar
    Bravo23
    Explorer | Level 4
    2 years ago

    I tried to "map" it out as accurately as I could. After retracing my typed mapping, you will find that it is accurate.

    I attached 2 files, a JPG and a PDF but I can only see 1 in this message. They have identical information I just wanted to be as helpful as I can.

     

    Notice the last column. Dropbox created a file folder with the same name as the file I edit and inserts a backup file in the folder in question.

    Thx.

    [Removed as per Community Guidelines]

    • Jay's avatar
      Jay
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
      2 years ago

      Hi Bravo23, from the screenshot, the Dropbox site or service wouldn't create backup files or folders like that. This is most likely related to an app or service you're using to edit the file. Certain programs do create backup folders for restoration reasons.

      • Bravo23's avatar
        Bravo23
        Explorer | Level 4
        2 years ago

        Jay,

         

        Thank you. It is MS Word 16 for Mac that was set to auto-save. It never entered my mine that this would be the resolution as I have not run auto-save since I started using Dropbox a few years ago. Microsoft strikes again.

         

        Please except my apology for waisting your time.

         

        Thx,

        Red 

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