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How to use my existing Dropbox folder without re-downloading the files after reinstalling Windows?
Hello
I have two separate (physically separate) M2 drives, and one is (D drive) only for storing Dropbox folder. Whenever I reinstall Windows for whatever reaso,n I want to be able to use the existing folder and content without downloading it. I don't use Online Only, I use Dropbox as a RAID 1 backup (mirror). Recently, it doesn't even let me choose the existing Dropbox folder on my D drive during the first installation of the client; it says "Dropbox folder already exists, choose a different one." I don't want to download 125GB of data every time I reinstall Windows. Isn't there an easy/logical way to do it?
I do not and will not use the online-only option.
Thanks in advance.
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- Rich
Super User II
I don't want to download 125GB of data every time I reinstall Windows. Isn't there an easy/logical way to do it?
Uninstall Dropbox if it's installed. Rename your existing Dropbox folder to Dropbox_OLD or similar. Reinstall Dropbox and specify the location you want to use for your Dropbox folder. Finish the installation as usual. As soon as the install is finished, Dropbox will start to sync your files again. Immediately pause syncing or exit the Dropbox application. Move the content of the Dropbox__OLD folder to the newly created Dropbox folder. Resume syncing or relaunch the Dropbox application.
At this point Dropbox will start to index your files and may appear to be uploading and downloading files. It's only sending comparison data and any changes that it finds. This could take a long time depending on how many files you have and the size of the data. BE PATIENT AND LET IT WORK.
