How to Download a File using Dropbox, Great for Slow Internet Connections

Summary: This tutorial if part of a series on Getting the Most out of a Slow Internet Connection, click here to see more tips.

Not only is Dropbox is a great way to sync files between computer and it can also help you download files over an inconsistent or slow connection. Here is how it works, the site urldroplet.com sends the file you wish to download to Dropbox's servers. Your computer then syncs with Dropbox and downloads the file to your computer. Dropbox is great because it automatically resumes dropped connections and checks the integrity of downloaded files.

Why is Dropbox better than a download manager? Dropbox does a better job of insuring complete and uncorrupted downloads by breaking each file up into small chunks and then checking the validity of each section. If the chunk does not match up, Dropbox re-downloads only the smaller section (not the entire file) - guaranteeing an accurate transfer while using little bandwidth.

Step 1 - Get a Dropbox account (if you do not already have one)

Dropbox is free and easy to use, to get an account just go to this sign up page:

After you sign up you will need to download the installation program, just run it and accept all of the default options.

Step 2 - Copy the URL of the file you want to download

Navigate to the download page and right click on the link to the file you wish to download. In the menu that appears, select Copy Link Location. This will copy the link that you need to pass on to urldroplet.com

Note: Download.com has changed the way that it links to the files it hosts. Because of this you will not be able to copy the link location. Try finding an alternative download location or go to softpedia.com to try to find a better location.

Step 3 - Login and Allow urldroplet to Access your Dropbox

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Go to http://www.urldroplet.com click login. (Image 1) Fill in your login and password and login. You will then be asked if you want to allow urldroplet to connect with your Dropbox. Click Allow (Image 2). After you click allow you should be forwarded back to urldroplet's website.

Step 4 - Download Files

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Simply paste the URL that you copied in step 2 into the box labeled Enter a URL... and then click Save. (Image 1) urldroplet will now send that file to Dropbox's servers and put it in your account, this may take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the size of the file. After it is sent to Dropbox, it will begin downloading the file to the Dropbox folder on your computer. You can check the status of urldroplet by scrolling down, it will show the files that you have recently added to your Dropbox and their status. (Image 2)

Note, the status you find on urldroplet will not inform you of when they are downloaded to your computer. Dropbox will send a popup notification when the download completes. You can also check your dropbox folder to see if the file has appeared.

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