Dropbox Backup says its backing up my files but I can't get them online.

[NickWalton]

Not sure if I've put this in the right category but anyway.

I recently updated dropbox as well as my mac and it started to re-backup my whole macbook again. Once it was finished I realised that, wherever it backed up the files to, I couldn't access it online or make any of the files on my computer available online only or even copy the dropbox link for the files to send elsewhere. It is as if it hasn't backed up any of the files at all even though its done the 10 hrs or so of backing up 100+ GB.

Usually the chosen files to back up would be put inside the dropbox folder but now they're just staying in the user section of my macbook. I've deleted the backup and am now doing it again but I don't think it's making a difference as no files have been made accessible via dropbox online and nothing has been moved into the dropbox location like it used to be.

[Megan]

Hi @NickWalton, thanks for posting here! 

From what you described, it sounds like you have some issues with our Backup feature, so let's see what we can find together. 

I'll start with the last thing you mentioned, about the folders staying in their original paths. That is expected. 

There are currently two versions of Dropbox Backup, and it seems you're using the one where the folders remain in their original paths on your device. 

You can visit your Backup Page online, in order to see the content there. 

As for making the content online-only or creating a shared link: do you follow the steps in order to achieve that, inside the folders using their original paths on your device (in your Downloads, Documents or Desktop) or inside your Dropbox folder? 

Feel free to share some additional details with me on this one. 

Thanks a bunch! 

[NickWalton]

Hey Megan!

Thanks for reaching out. So I didn't know there were two different versions of Dropbox Backup, I would absolutely prefer the version that puts all of my files into the dropbox directory. I'm assuming that way I can then choose to make files available offline & online? Not too sure how switch over to that version though.

I need to be able to send files via dropbox, listen to mp3 & wav files while on my phone, and I cannot seem to do that in its current state. I understand that I can view what's been backed up through the 'Backup' section on dropbox, but when I go to 'All files' it doesn't show them there which I believe is where I need them to be?

Thanks!

[Megan]

Hey @NickWalton, before I go ahead and let you know more about what you asked in your latest reply, I'd like for us to check if you're running the Beta version of not. 

If you access your Backup page online, do you see Beta to the right of Dropbox Backup at the top of the page? 

[NickWalton]

Yep I am

[NickWalton]

Okay I understand what's happening.

Is it possible to change back to the original version? and is this what's to be expected from the Backup system going forward?

If so, is it possible to view the Backup of my Macbook on the Dropbox app on my phone with the new system?

[Megan]

Hi @NickWalton, I'm afraid that choosing the non-Beta version isn't possible. 

As for everything you mentioned about sharing content, making content online-only and more, this is all expected in this version of Backup. 

And yes, you should be able to see your Backup when using your phone, if you choose to visit your Backup page online, through your browser.