Dropbox Folder Sync addon [Official Page]

Sync any folder with Dropbox in a snap!

Version 2.7 Released on 27-Apr-2013

dfs icon1 Dropbox Folder Sync addon [Official Page]

1 Description
2 Minimum System Requirments
3 Screenshots
4 Usage
5 Features in detail
6 In the Press
7 Version Log
8 Terms
Comments & Feedback

Description

Dropbox Folder Sync is a simple app for Dropbox that allows you to seamlessly sync folders outside the Dropbox folder. Pretty handy for syncing Firefox profiles, saved games, music library, Outlook data files etc., to Dropbox directly from their locations. Sync and Unsync to Dropbox just by using the right click menu on the folder. It actually works by moving the folder into Dropbox and then putting a symlink in its place.

If you are new to Dropbox, it is a popular file synchronization and backup tool which automatically syncs all your devices to the cloud. You can also share and collaborate on your stuff with others. It also offers you 2 GB of free online storage. (Get Dropbox or Know more).

But one limitation of Dropbox is that, it will only sync the files in your Dropbox folder. Our app helps to overcome this limitation by allowing any folder to sync with Dropbox right from its location.

Minimum System Requirments:

Works with Windows XP (SP 3), Vista, Windows 7 and 8.
Requires Microsoft .NET framework 4.0
Dropbox Folder Sync addon requires an NTFS partition with Dropbox installed in that partition.
Note: Dropbox Folder Sync does NOT work with network drives.

Screenshots

dfs rightclick 2.7 Dropbox Folder Sync addon [Official Page]

DFS prefs 2.7 Dropbox Folder Sync addon [Official Page]

Usage:

Run the Installer
To sync‘ a folder with Dropbox, right click it and click “Dropbox Folder Sync –> Sync with Dropbox“.
The first time you run the application it automatically sets the Dropbox Folder (Or whenever the current Dropbox folder setting is corrupt)
If this detection fails, it prompts you to enter the Dropbox path through interface.
For changing the Dropbox folder setting, go to Start Menu -> Programs -> Dropbox Folder Sync.
Unsync it, if you don’t need it anymore in Dropbox, by again right-clicking (at original path) and selecting “Dropbox Folder Sync –> Unsync with Dropbox”.

Features in detail

Sync

Moves the source folder (the folder on which you right-click) to the Dropbox. Creates a symbolic link at that location pointing to the corresponding folder inside Dropbox.
Thus you can access the same folder from two locations.
Symbolic links are created using the junction utility (installs automatically with the setup) from Sysinternals.
If a folder with the same name already exists in your Dropbox, then it asks if it should merge & overwrite. If you wish not to merge, it moves the folder to Dropbox with a modified name.
While syncin’, please ensure that no file in the folder is locked by any process.

Unsync

Deletes the symbolic link, and moves the corresponding folder in Dropbox back to its original location.

Change Dropbox Path

DFS automatically detects the Dropbox path at the first usage and whenever the Dropbox path setting is corrupt (for eg. Some path which is not a folder).
If you feel the folder is not the Dropbox folder or if you wish to sync the folder with some other folder which is inside Dropbox, Use the “Change” button on the GUI to change this setting.

In the Press

Dropbox Folder Sync is featured in major technology blogs and newspapers around the world! Here are some,

Lifehacker - “Dropbox Folder Sync adds any folder to Dropbox with a Right click“
MakeUseOf- “The easiest way to create a symlink under Windows is to use Dropbox Folder Sync“
The Hindu - “If you are looking for a better solution, the Dropbox add-on ‘Folder Sync offers an answer.”
PC World
DownloadSquad - “It’s a great little app”
Ghacks - “Dropbox Folder Sync basically automates the process as much as possible.”
FastCompany
Software Informer
Softmazing - “Intuitive and straightforward application and a valuable time-saver.“

View complete list of coverage

Version Log

2.7 (Stable) – Critical bug fixes, reduced clutter in Right-click menu, Automatic update notification.

2.5 - Lots of improvements and fixes – See Documentation

2.0 – New Feature: Unsync – for unsyncing symlinks pointing into Dropbox.

Enhancement: The “copy and remove directory” procedure used previously is replaced with windows api call. – New Feature: Log file of all the actions performed(Syncing, changing settings etc.)

1.2.1 - The interface got better with added icons.

1.2 - New Feature: Right click any folder on the computer and click “Sync with Dropbox.

1.1 - New Feature: “Overwrite folder” added if the folder already exists in Dropbox.

1.0 - Dropbox Folder Sync Released

Disclaimer

Dropbox Folder sync provides no warranty, expressed or implied. It is provided as is and is not associated with Dropbox in anyway. There is no guarantee that we would continue to support the application forever. We do not take responsibility to any data that you lose through direct or indirect use of this application.

That being said, we have thoroughly tested the application and it is working fine for many people including us.

For any queries or feedback, you can post a comment below or drop us an email.

http://www.facebook.com/andrew.e.goss Andrew Etherd Goss

It complained that “C:UsersBHAppDataRoamingDropbox Folder Synclog.txt” did not exist, and would not run until I created it.
http://www.facebook.com/andrew.e.goss Andrew Etherd Goss

And when I tried syncing told me “Refers to a location that is not available …”. The folder was moved to Dropbox, but vanished from its proper location, which was a bit alarming. I seem to have safely moved it back again, It is not a network folder, but it is shared to another PC, which I assume is the problem.
erwanlescop

Hi,

I’m using Windows 8 and synced / unsynced correctly “common” folders with this great add-on.

But I have a problem with my W8 “UserPictures” sync. The folder was correctly moved do Dropbox, but the symlink has disappeared : hence, I can’t neither see the folder in its original location (which is really bad for such a basic folder), neither unsync… :-

I’m not sure of what happened, but it looks like an error occurred with my first unscync test that deleted the symlink :

04/04/2013 15:14:23 Started Syncin’ C:Userssony vaioPictures.
04/04/2013 15:14:25 — Moved C:Userssony vaioPictures to C:Userssony vaioDropboxPictures.
04/04/2013 15:14:25 — Created Symlink for C:Userssony vaioDropboxPictures at C:Userssony vaioPictures.
04/04/2013 15:14:25 Successfully Sync’ed C:Userssony vaioPictures.

05/04/2013 09:56:13 Started UnSyncin’ C:Userssony vaioPictures.
05/04/2013 09:56:13 — Deleted Symlink at C:Userssony vaioPictures.
05/04/2013 09:57:36 Started UnSyncin’ C:Userssony vaioDropboxPictures.
05/04/2013 09:57:36 UnSyncin’ FAILED.

1. Is this a usual error ?
2. Is there a way to recover the deleted symlink ?
3. If not, what is the appropriate way to unsync : just cut / paste the folder from Dropbox to C:Users ? I didn’t try yet, being afraid to lose everything…

Many thanks in advance !

Best regards.
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

Thanks for reporting the issue. We are aware of it and we will be pushing out a new release in a week or so with many fixes including this one.
Sowrabh N R S

If it’s only the symlink that’s lost, and your data is safe, it can very well be re-created . Before trying anything please SYNC your files using Dropbox to recover in case.

From the logs it appears that the symlink got deleted but the files didn’t move back to the original location. So you can move them manually back (using Cut and Paste) which is effectively what the unsync option would have done for you, had it run successfully or you can create a junction point at the original location to the pictures folder in dropbox and retry the unsync option on the junction point.

Hope it helps.
Shardz

Does it leave the original folder in a place and create a link in the dropbox folder, or the other way around ( copy the folder to dropbox folder and create a link where it was? )
Because the latter wouldn’t be smart.
erwanlescop

Thx for your answer !

1. My data is safe, considering it is correctly stored in Dropbox. What do you mean by “please SYNC your files using Dropbox to recover in case” before trying anythning : copy / paste my Dropbox Pictures folder data in another Dropbox folder… ?

2. Before trying the cut / paste option, I must admit I don’t understand at all what creating a junction point means, i.e. the other option you suggest… :-
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

It moves the folder into Dropbox and creates the link at the original location. Yeah, this isn’t a smart way to do it, but it is the only viable solution. Because, if the link is in the Dropbox instead, the changes made to the folder are not detected by Dropbox until the next restart.
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

Can you check if the folder is on NTFS partition only? Otherwise the symbolic link will not be created, which happened in your case.
http://twitter.com/jzhone ?CG

Do not work in my windows 8. After I installed and nothing appeared in my right click menu.
Jen

Hi, once I’ve synced a folder with Dropbox, will any new files added to this folder or its subfolder automatically sync to Dropbox? In the same way, if I modify the contents of a file will these updates also sync automatically to Dropbox so that I always have the most updated version of my files in Dropbox? Thanks.
Jen

Sorry, I should probably point out that I mean syncing a folder from my Windows PC to the Dropbox folder on my PC.
ClockworkBastard

Nice, but I have a stupid question? Is it can’t be done in an opposite way? To create a link into a dropbox folder while leaving folder where it belongs?
http://blog.ushackers.com/ Ashish Kumar

Hi Satyadeep Just wanted to ask that Did you create this addon and It is Open source can I feature your Service on my post ? ( Blog ) (http://aimzo.com)
I used your software it is amazing now I can actually sync my other folders with it. This software works really Fine.
Please Reply ASAP
You must add donate button.
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

It moves the folder into Dropbox and creates the link at the original location. Yeah, this isn’t a smart way to do it, but it is the only viable solution. Because, if the link is in the Dropbox instead, the changes made to the folder are not detected by Dropbox until the next restart.
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

Yes Jen, that is the purpose which this app exactly serves. All changes done to your synced folder will automatically reflect in the Dropbox folder too.
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

Hi Ashish, yes we created this addon, but it not open source as of now. Sure, you can go ahead and feature it in your blog. We would be glad for that too. Thanks for your feedback.

We tried paypal donate button, but that seems to be blocked in India. Any other alternatives?
http://blog.ushackers.com/ Ashish Kumar

Well I wrote it is open source, Well it not open source but it is free to use. You can create a support us button and if someone wants to give the donation he can contact and you can give him your paypal email. It could be consider.
http://www.aimzo.com/sync-any-folder-in-windows-with-dropbox-how-to/
Post is live now , We would love to know what do you think ?
Thanks for your quick answer and allowing us to use your work . Means a lot to us . Thanks once again and keep up the good work
http://www.facebook.com/nikorion Nikolay Cherevko

Always have your stuff when you need it with @Dropbox. Sign up for free! http://db.tt/2rYTE2h
Valantar

A quick question: will this work (without any harmful side effects) on system folders such as the Desktop? Has anyone tried this?
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

They should work just fine. But, first please make sure that your source folder is a NTFS partition and NOT on a network drive. We would also suggest you to take a backup of the system folders before you sync.
steve

Fantastic concept—BUT–need some help. Dropbox wont install (or at least run) The log shows it installed but no right click menu shows. Running 7 64 bit with truecrypt on the C and D drive with dropboc running on the D drive. The program finds the dropbox but no right click menu shows. I also reinstalled net 4. Any thoughts
lousephi

Thanks for this app, it’s really great.
I have a question though. I want to sync a folder, but not have it at the root of my dropbox, but inside another folder.
If I sync it and then move it in my dropbox, I lose my link.
If I change my path, I then change the setting for all the other synced folders.
Is it possible to have a sync path per folder?
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

Thanks for your feedback. As of now, you can change the Dropbox Path in the Preferences window of the app before you sync a folder. Please note that this will not affect the already synced folders at all.

We are actually working on this custom sync option and will be releasing it in the next version.
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

Hi Steve, which version of the app did you install? Can you try re-installing the app and check if it works.
Sandeep

I tried this with version 2.7 and installed. I had one folder in my E drive, i did right click it and click “Dropbox Folder Sync –> Sync with Dropbox“. Now wht it did was weird. It simply transferred my folder into dropbox folder. Now wht i dont understand is that hw is it different from a simple copy-paste?
As far as creating symbolic link is concerned, it is similar to creating a shortcut. Then what is the use of this software.
Am I not doing something proerly. Let me know.
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

Hi Sandeep, the way you are using the program is absolutely alright.

We are moving the folder into Dropbox and creating the symbolic link at the original location because, if it is the other way round – Dropbox won’t pick up the changes to the files in symbolic link until it is restarted.

Secondly, symbolic links operate transparently for most applications: programs which operate on the symbolic folder behave as if they are using the original folder. A shortcut is different because, it is simply a file which takes you to the target.
Hyu Lilium

Do I still need the dropbox client or can I just uninstall it?
http://satyadeepk.in/ Satyadeep Karnati

Hey, you still need to have the original Dropbox client running. This program is just an addon which works with that.
http://www.facebook.com/bryan.liu.9 Bryan Liu

Hello, I got an error when try to use Folder Sync. ” Index was outside the bounds of the array.’ ( an error related to .NET Framework.I tried to uninstall it but I cannot find it in the control panel)
I am using Windows 8 , 64x .Any one can help me? Thanks.
lando

Hi thanks very much for this wonderful little app. I have a question though, first i sync the “Projects” folder located in My Documents and on to dropbox folder – t’was perfect! then when i unsync the “Projects” folder, it removes it from my Documents and retained the one inside the Dropbox folder. Then i try to “sync” it from Dropbox folder thinking it will bring it back to My Documents, it removed all the contents! good thing i can restore it from my Dropbox account itself so my only “Projects” folder now is the one in the dropbox. Just wanna know what i did wrong because there might be a need for me to do it again in the future. Thanks!
Dan

Hi – thanks for a great plugin. One question about how this functions though. I understand the plugin moves the file(s) to the local drop box folder and then creates a symbolic link at the original location. I just wanted to confirm though – the plugin does not make a duplicate of the data correct? I ask because I created a file in my synced folder, which was 10MB. The plugin worked correctly, because the same folder in the local drop box folder updated itself with the same 10MB file. However, when I go to properties for both files it says they are 10MB. Is this a limitation with how Windows shows symbolic files, or was my file duplicated and the space required for that file on my PC is now 20MB? Thanks again.
Sowrabh N R S

You’re right Dan, it doesn’t duplicate the data. The properties dialogs say so because both are looking at the same data and reporting the size. The symbolic link and the original folder both point to the same data. So rest assured you’re using up only 10MB for that file/folder.
Sowrabh N R S

1. Just ensure that all your files in the dropbox are really up in the cloud. You can look for the check mark on the folder or look up in the browser if all your files are properly synced to dropbox.

2. Junction is a utility to create links(similar to symbolic links but not the same). If you are not sure of how to do this. Just cut and paste the folder and you’ll be fine.
http://twitter.com/FrankBuckleyWor Frank Buckley

Another way is to use FBackup.com (free) and mirror your directories to your Dropbox folder. Schedule it daily so you always have a recent backup. This will avoid the files on the dropbox folder being modified or deleted by someone that you are sharing the folder with.
Michael Beijer

Same here! Can’t get past:

‘unhandled exception has ocurred in your application.
index was outside the bounds of the array’

Win8 64-bit

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