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Forum Discussion

James Kuzman's avatar
James Kuzman
Explorer | Level 3
4 years ago

Selective sync issues

Hello, everyone - 

 

I've done some housekeeping and have removed all of the local files and folders from the external USB drive I have been using for selective sync. I want to start a fresh sync with only a handful of folders containing around a dozen files, so I've checked those to sync. 

 

When I start the sync process, it says "Syncing 11,450 files" and commences to start syncing things I haven't selected. Meanwhile, it does not sync the ones I have checked. 

 

I've closed everything out, logged out and back in, rebooted the Mac, etc. 

 

Any idea what might be going on? 

 

UPDATE: Only the folders and files checked for selective sync are actually downloading. The rest of the folders are showing a cloud icon next to them, which I've learned means Smart Sync, which I don't want and have never used before. It looks like I'm getting it anyway. That's not ideal if you have folders that you don't want someone using your machine to see or access online. If it's supposed to work this way, it's a poorly implemented feature... unless I'm missing something? 

 

Jim

 

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    Hey James Kuzman, happy Tuesday, I hope you're doing well! 

    If you have any folders set-up for Smart Sync as online-only (grey, cloud icon), all you need to do is this: 

    You can right click on the folder, select Smart sync, then Local.

    Once the folder syncs locally, you can then apply the selective sync settings to it, and remove it from the device. 

    Can you give this a go, and let me know the results? 

    Cheers!
    • James Kuzman's avatar
      James Kuzman
      Explorer | Level 3

      Hey, Lori - Thanks for the quick reply!

       

      I think you're onto something as Smart Sync does appear to be active, but I didn't deliberately enable it, I have I never used it before, and I don't see any way to turn it off. I must be missing something...?

       

      Jim

       

      • Megan's avatar
        Megan
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        Happy Wednesday James Kuzman

        Have you checked this Help Center article, that shows you how to make your files local?

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