Attempting to disable backup, but I get an error

[Kevin K]

I recently got a new mac and I turned on the automatic backup feature. I was having trouble downloading files from the internet, so I decided to try turning off the backup feature since it was related to the Downloads folder.

However, when I try to turn off automatic backup, either for an individual folder, or entirely, I get this message:

"Couldn't stop backup because My Mac was renamed, deleted or moved. Undo this change, and then continue"

Of course I didn't rename, delete or move 'My Mac' and so I'm unsure of how to fix this so I can turn off backups. Does anyone have an idea of how to turn it off? I have no files in any of the relevant folders, so I don't even have any files that I need. I just want to turn off the feature.

[Jay]

Hi @Kevin K, thanks for messaging today!

Do you have multiple machines backing up to the Dropbox site? Was the app still syncing when you tried to disable the feature?

This will help me assist further!

[Kevin K]

I do have multiple machines hooked up to dropbox. But only my macbook Air might have been doing anything. For the computer in question, the directories are empty. The app was not still syncing.

[Jay]

Thanks for the details, @Kevin K, I'd recommend getting in contact with the support team directly for further assistance on this matter so that they can investigate in more detail.

Once you get a ticket ID from the automated response, please let me know the number here so I can locate it in our system!

[alec234]

Hello, i'm having the exact same problem, can i have some assistance with this please?

[Walter]

Hey @alec234, sorry to hear you're having issues with this. 

Could you please send us a screenshot of the exact error you're getting when trying to disable the computer backup feature?

[Theo0]

I have the same problem...and it's maddening!

Can someone help?

[Walter]

Hey @Theo0, sorry to hear you're having issues with this.

Can you please clarify your device's OS and the version and status of the desktop app installed on your computer as shown in your menu bar/system tray?

If you could also attach a screenshot of the exact error you're getting, I'd appreciate it. 

[Theo0]

This was the error:

"Couldn't stop backup because My Mac was renamed, deleted, or moved. Undo this change, then try again"

MacOS 13.1

Dropbox v164.4.7914

After I manually deleted the symbolic links that the dropbox app created, and renamed my "Mac", things seemed to begin to normalize enough for the Dropbox app to allow me to turn off backups. Whew!

Then it was just a bunch of clean-up work to compile directories, mount points, and files...down to the inode level even...you guys are sneaky.

I believe that I am all good at this point.  If you haven't done so, you can close ticket #20604637.

Thanks.

[Walter]

Glad to hear it's  sorted now and thanks for keeping us in the loop too @Theo0

See you around the Community and take care!