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Forum Discussion
Dropbox External Drive Backup - Changing Computers
I’ve just found out when you change Laptop / Desktop you can’t continue to use the same external hard drive with Dropbox Backup. This is absolute madness.
If you want to continue to use that hard drive with Dropbox Backup you have to re upload the full HD.
I have 2TB used on a 4TB external SSD and I’ve just changed to a new MacBook. I’m having to spend three days uploading / backing-up all my data again just to continue to use that same drive with the new device. What a waste of energy, electricity, data and bandwidth. For no reason. My old backup is sitting there in my account with all the same data and I just have to re-upload 2TB of the exact same files for no reason other than Dropbox can’t set up a way to re-link an external hard drive on on a new system.
I can’t believe this is the current state of affairs for this service.
If you want to continue to use that hard drive with Dropbox Backup you have to re upload the full HD.
I have 2TB used on a 4TB external SSD and I’ve just changed to a new MacBook. I’m having to spend three days uploading / backing-up all my data again just to continue to use that same drive with the new device. What a waste of energy, electricity, data and bandwidth. For no reason. My old backup is sitting there in my account with all the same data and I just have to re-upload 2TB of the exact same files for no reason other than Dropbox can’t set up a way to re-link an external hard drive on on a new system.
I can’t believe this is the current state of affairs for this service.
15 Replies
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- Rich
Super User II
I changed the default Dropbox sync folder to be on the drive that I originally
wanted to use Dropbox Backup on.If you mean that you moved the Dropbox folder to an external drive, be VERY careful. With the Dropbox sync folder on an external drive, data loss can occur under the right conditions. If the drive were to become disconnected while Dropbox was running, or if Dropbox starts before the drive is connected, Dropbox could see that as a mass-deletion of your files and will sync that change to your account.
Also, if your plan is to move that drive between computers and use the same Dropbox sync folder on multiple computers, you'll most definitely have issues. The index of your files (the database that Dropbox uses to keep track of your files) exists outside of the Dropbox folder. That means changes that you make on one computer won't be known by the other computer when you move the drive over. Like before, this could cause sync issues resulting in lost data.
Oh my goodness. I'm going to reconsider the original plan and invest in a dedicated backup service.
Thank you Rich. You're experience likely saved me a week of false hope and the likely my data too : )
I just ran into this same issue today after buying a new laptop. Since the original post was 2 years ago, I was praying there was a solution by now. This is terrible. I guess I will need to find a different backup service. Really wishing this would work.
I have also run into this issue. Seeing that this issue was posted 2 years ago, and that there still isn't a solution to transfer the management/update of a backup of an external drive with a new computer is very concerning. I paid to upgrade my account to use the backup feature and get enough space to have everything sync/backup. I thought I could just select the drive and the back-up would happen since I already told Dropbox to back it up. I didn't think it mattered which computer I was on. What is the point of being able to backup an external drive if it is tied to the original computer only?
I am so disappointed.. I came to Dropbox for ease of use. Please make this a priority Dropbox Backup!
I've created a new "idea" thread for this that can be voted on. Go vote now so the team can see how many people are wanting this feature. If enough people vote, it could be considered for a the product roadmap.
https://www.dropboxforum.com/idea/101002013/relinkclaim-external-drive-or-any-backup-from-a-different-new-computer/823999
