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Forum Discussion
Cannot move files when trying to merge old Dropbox folder with new Dropbox folder.
After running the Windows update from 12/13/22 I had to reinstall Dropbox. When I tried to use my old Dropbox folder I could not because it said there was already one there. So I had to place the n...
Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Dropbox Community ModeratorHey USMCSGT323, sorry to hear you're having issues with this.
I just wanted to mention that, upon reinstalling the desktop app, you need to choose the parent folder of the existing Dropbox folder as the location for this new install.
For example, if your old Dropbox folder was added to: C:\Desktop\Dropbox you would need to choose C:\Desktop and the client will try and create a new Dropbox folder.
If you're connecting with the same Dropbox account as before, Dropbox will detect the existing folder and will then prompt you to merge the Dropbox folder. Upon merging the desktop version of Dropbox will check the existing files and the server versions and update accordingly.
Otherwise, you can let the desktop app sync all of your files to your computer from the website and delete the old Dropbox folder.
I hope this helps!
Thank you Walter for your response!
In the section, "For example, if your old Dropbox folder was added to: C:\Desktop\Dropbox you would need to choose C:\Desktop and the client will try and create a new Dropbox folder.
If you're connecting with the same Dropbox account as before, Dropbox will detect the existing folder and will then prompt you to merge the Dropbox folder. Upon merging the desktop version of Dropbox will check the existing files and the server versions and update accordingly."
I attempted to put the new dropbox folder in the parent folder location, but it said there was already a Dropbox folder in that folder and it would not let me proceed. And on the merging, I would like to do that because there are more files on my computer DB folder than there are on my online folder and I don't want to lose the files.
Any additional thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
- Megan
Hi USMCSGT323, have you tried to rename the old Dropbox folder, then proceed?
Also, when you say that your computer's Dropbox folder has more files than your online folder, could you send me a few screenshots, in order for me to have visual?
Also, please check your app's syncing status and let me know what it reports.
I did not change the name of the other folder because I thought the links to being able to access the files that were online only might be lost if I renamed folder. I am attaching a screenshot that includes the folders that I would like to merge and their associated properties. The file explorer on the right is the old that has files in it that I need to be able to access. The files explorer on the left is the new DB folder. Tried to get status in pic, but if not, it was "up to date".
Thank you again for your help.
- Hannah
Hey USMCSGT323, sorry to jump in here.
Have you tried double-clicking on the files in your old Dropbox folder that are online-only, to see if they can get downloaded/opened?
