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Forum Discussion
Sync or Backup from D: drive?
I'm new to Dropbox. I own three computers--a Home PC, Office PC, and laptop. I got Dropbox to achieve two main goals--1) to have backup security against data loss and (2) be able to access and work with data from any of my computers in an an efficient, organized way from any workstation.
I would appreciate help on 2 questions:
First, on my Home PC, I use solid state C: drive for operating system & programs and 😧 drive for data. I think my PC puts Desktop, Documents, and Downloads on C: although I don't create much data outside 😧 drive. My question is whether Dropbox can Sync or Backup from Desktop, Documents, and Downloads on C: AND my data on D:? I don't want to go down this road and find a dead end.
Second, assuming that my question above does not lead to a dead end, then how might I best achieve my two goals? Is Sync or Backup better for this? Should I turn on sync on all three computers? Will that result in the My Dropbox Home Page listing the three computer names/identifiers--so that I can click on one name to get into the attached files? In advance, Sync would seem more straightforward and intuitive, but I worry that a mistaken deletion on DB or PC will just sync by deleting in the other location. I guess I'm wanting my files to live in two places--local and cloud--in a way that helps keep data safe and allows access from multiple locations.
I'm assuming that someone(s) out there "gets" what I'm saying here in an amateur way and can give me experienced, knowledgeable answers and guidance.
Thanks in advance...
mlpeterson
- Hi mlpeterson, thanks for posting on the Community!
The Dropbox folder can only reside on one drive at a time, so it might not be able to do what you're requesting of it. Have you tried moving the Dropbox folder?
The computer backup feature is essentially syncing those system folders, by moving them into the Dropbox folder. It isn't a backup as such, since deleting files would also delete them from the site, and vice versa.
Creating the backup on each PC would create different backup folders on the site, with the PC name next to them, so you would be able to access, edit and delete files that way.
If you need any more details, feel free to message back!
- Jay
Dropbox Staff
Hi mlpeterson, thanks for posting on the Community!
The Dropbox folder can only reside on one drive at a time, so it might not be able to do what you're requesting of it. Have you tried moving the Dropbox folder?
The computer backup feature is essentially syncing those system folders, by moving them into the Dropbox folder. It isn't a backup as such, since deleting files would also delete them from the site, and vice versa.
Creating the backup on each PC would create different backup folders on the site, with the PC name next to them, so you would be able to access, edit and delete files that way.
If you need any more details, feel free to message back!Hi, Jay,
Thanks so much for the answer to my Dropbox questions. From what you said, I'll be able to figure out a solution tailored to my needs.
mlpeterson
- JayGlad to have helped out, mlpeterson. Enjoy the remainder of your week!
I find that to be very helpful. I appreciate your confirmation. Due to the fact that my important data resides on my (internal) D drive, and I don't want to move things unnecessarily, I have decided to subscribe to Carbonite.
Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate it. Please take care of yourself.
