Loading Dropbox files onto new laptop

[Ric02]

I have used Dropbox for many years and have had no troubles keeping my files sync'd between two machines. Over the years the total file size has grown to about 500 GB.

I have decided to add a new laptop to the stable. Dropbox is installed and I have sync'd a few directories - about 10% of the total. But the network I am using is very slow and that 10% took 2 days to bring across.

What is the best way to get the files across in a reasonable time-frame?

I thought I might copy the files onto a flash drive and import it from there to the new machine but just copying the files to the Dropbox folder led to synchronization conflicts.

I am using a basic Family subscription. I have 2 TB of space on Dropbox. Once I have loaded the files onto the new machine I plan to rationalize my usage and make many files offline-only.

Having to spend 3 weeks syncing files does not appeal to me. Any suggestions?

[Jay · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ric02, thanks for messaging the Community.

You could try that method, however, it could lead to issues with syncing or conflicts.

There isn't another way to get files onto your machine reliably, without allowing the files to sync down normally.

If you have any further queries, feel free to message back.

[Thannguyen]

I got the same problem like you. I call dropbox for help for a year but still not sold yet. each time I call them they ask upgrade and pay more but the problem still there

[Ric02]

Eventually I borrowed a better internet connection (by which I mean I took my laptop to a friend's). My files sync'd after a couple of days. Now everything is good. Any future updating can happen at the limited old speeds.

It may be worth considering my problem as a possible future upgrade. Maybe something like 'import'. This would read a flash drive, see which are the same as existing Dropbox files, and copy any duplicate files that weren't already on the local Dropbox.  Any new or different files would be added to the local Dropbox awaiting eventual sync.

[JMuleHou]

I have multiple accounts across old and new laptops and PCs.  Being able to import/export my various Dropbox logins would be great.