HI all. I am a longtime but nevertheless very basic user, a journalist keeping track of materials for stories and research, and syncing across Macs in multiple locations.
I only deal with setting up sync every few years as I get a new computer, which inevitably causes me to be confused as DT undergoes updates in between. I’m currently trying to set up my newest laptop, and am struggling, because the install on the laptop (OS 15.5) is not seeing any of the remote databases that reside on my desktop (also 15.5).
I sync through Dropbox. DEVONthink Packet Sync appears to be in the same location (Dropbox > Apps >) on both machines.
I need extremely plain-language guidance for how to troubleshoot this. I apologize that I find even the Help contents a bit challenging. Can anyone guide me? Thank you.
Nothing has changed in regards to the syncing procedure (and actually hasn’t for a long time).
not seeing any of the remote databases that reside on my desktop (also 15.5).
It never has, unless you were using a Bonjour sync.
DEVONthink Packet Sync appears to be in the same location (Dropbox > Apps >) on both machines.
You shouldn’t have local sync data from Dropbox on your Macs. This wastes space and bandwidth and can also obnoxiously notify you of changes you don’t need to know about.
What version of DEVONthink are you using on the new laptop?
DT4 on the laptop, DT 3.9.10 on the desktop
Check out the In & Out > Sync: Dropbox section of DEVONthink 4’s Help. I split out the various sync methods and provided simple instructions on starting a new sync and working with an existing one. Let me know if it is unclear in any way.
PS: It also tells you how to remove the Dropbox sync data from your Mac (and yes, you should do that).
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OK, I think I have solved the issue, thank you. It was not visible to me, in the sync set-up sheet, that there was a drop-down to choose among pre-existing sync store names.
I cleaned and removed what I had set up and re-enabled sync, choosing the name of the existing sync store. Now I can see the remote databases and choose among them to sync them to this laptop.
(I also unchecked DT Packet Sync from the Dropbox Preferences.)
I appreciate your clear direction.
You’re welcome and I’m glad the help was clear. I worked hard to distill it down for each sync method. 