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Forum Discussion

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

Backup error "Make sure Dropbox and your documents folder are in the default location and try again"

I’m trying to set up my computer to back up to Dropbox, but it won’t back up my documents because it says “Make sure Dropbox and your documents folder are in the default location and try again.” ...
Desktop
Dropbox Backup
Error Messages
Setting up the apps
Windows
eolennes's avatar
eolennes
New member | Level 2

I've got a new MacBook, I migrated from the previous one with which I had no problems with the backup. As I now am trying to select the folders to be backed up, desktop seems to be fine, but when I select the Documents folder I get an error message stating that the Documents folder is not in its default location. I disagree with this, as I have not touched the locations of the macOS defaults in any way shape or form. I recently upgraded to Sonoma, but I had the same problem before that, so doesn't seem to be related to the OS version, or at least the most recent upgrade.

 

How do I convince Dropbox of the fact that the Documents folder is very much in its default location?

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

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

 

What is currently the location of both the 'Documents' and the Dropbox folder? Can you send us a screenshot of the folder paths?

 

According to Finder, when you right click the Documents folder, and then choose 'Get info', where is the exact location of these folders?

 

Thanks in advance.

  • eolennes's avatar
    eolennes
    New member | Level 2
    2 years ago

    Hi Megan,

     

    thanks for the reply and sorry for the delay in mine. I went and got the location info and realized – and am now feeling pretty stupid – that my Documents folder is already syncing into the Dropbox cloud. Ie. its location is already in my Dropbox folder. I had forgotten this.

     

    Thus, the backup is not necessary, as the contents are actually already stored in my Dropbox, right?

     

    However, can you quickly remind me about where I can possibly change these sync settings and return the Documents folder to its default location on my Mac SSD?

     

     

     

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

      Hi eolennes, definitely can do that! 

       

      You can disable the feature using these steps right here. If you have any questions, I'm here for you! 

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