Migrating to smaller computer (Macbook Air)

[Cinda B.]

Scenario:

• My primary computer--a Macbook Pro--has 4TB of storage; nearly everything in Dropbox Cloud syncs to the drive. 
• My new computer--a Macbook Air--has only 2TB of storage. Perfect for archive research on the road.
• I need to use Apple Migration Assistant to copy applications, user settings, etc. from the MBP > MBA. Just not enough time between now and an upcoming research trip to install everything manually.

PROBLEM: Dropbox (on the MBP) contains more than the Macbook Air can hold. Migration Assistant doesn't allow the user to cherry pick which apps to transfer over.

QUESTION: What do I need to do with Dropbox on the larger computer--before migration--to prevent 2.5GB of Dropbox content from blocking the process?

Fingers crossed that there's a viable solution....

[Walter · Accepted solution]

Hi there @Cinda B., thanks for posting on our Community and happy Monday!

Instead of using the Migration Assistant, I'd suggest that you download and install the desktop app on the new computer anew. 
 

During the installation process, you'll be asked which folders you'd like to keep available offline to your computer or online only.

I hope this helps and please  keep me posted on your progress! 

[Cinda B.]

Thanks, Walter. Good advice.

I decided to manually install the bare minimum for required software (as noted earlier, I’m on my way out of town—actually, out of the country—for research. Dropbox will be the final piece of the puzzle before I need to test things out.

Much appreciated!