Re-linking to previous folder after re-install

[anmo1]

Hi, I had to reinstall dropbox and since I have several gigabytes of data I would like to avoid re-downloading the whole content. However, when I run the installer and link it to my account, dropbox starts downloading the entire content to a new folder.

When I chose "advanced settings", and navigate to the parent folder of my existing Dropbox folder, I get the following prompt "There's already a folder named Dropbox(Company Name). Dropbox will rename your existing folder named Dropbox (Company Name) to finish installing". There are two options from here: "Choose Another Location" or "Rename". If I choise the first, a fresh complete download starts, if I choose the second, Dropbox renames the existing folder to "[name] (old)" and starts to download to a newly created "Dropbox" folder.

I have tried to follow the suggestions contained in this thread https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Installs-integrations/I-got-a-message-about-renaming-my-Dropbox-Fold... but again, dropbox either wants to rename the existing folder or create a new one.

Finally, I also followed these suggestions (for a mac computer) https://help.dropbox.com/installs-integrations/desktop/advanced-reinstall with the same outcome.

Is there any way to force Dropbox to recognize the existing folder?

[Rich · Accepted solution]

Rename your existing Dropbox folder to Dropbox_OLD or similar. Reinstall Dropbox and select the location that you want for the Dropbox folder. When the installation is finished, Dropbox will immediately start to sync. Pause syncing or exit Dropbox. Move the content of Dropbox_OLD into the newly created Dropbox folder. When the move is complete, and not before, resume syncing or re-launch Dropbox.

At this point Dropbox will begin indexing all of your files. This process will take a while, especially if you have a lot of data to go through. During this time it may say that files are uploading or downloading, but it's only transferring comparison data and any changes that it find. Be patient and LET IT WORK.

[Walter]

And to add to what @Rich said, should you need to speed this process up, you can go ahead and change your bandwidth settings through the app's preferences. 

Let us know how this goes!  Oh, welcome to the Community btw and happy November too @anmo1! 

[anmo1]

It worked, thanks