does dropbox copy itself?

[skidoo52]

I am trying to use Dropbox as a place to store transferred files while I move to a new computer. I am new to dropbox and I feel like I am doing this the wrong way.

Both new and old computers are Macs using the dropbox installed app. 

 I am transferring one user account at a time by logging into the user account on the old computer and dragging files into the dropbox in the sidebar. When I look at the activity monitor, I notice that files are being downloaded as well as uploaded.  Does this mean that the dropbox on the computer is syncing with the files I just uploaded onto dropbox's servers?  

Is there a better way to do this?  

[Walter]

Hi there @skidoo52, thanks for posting on our Community!

It sounds like you're doing this via the desktop app on your computer and you're actually moving files into your Dropbox folder - correct me if I'm wrong please.

If that's the case, it's expected that the desktop app would sync your changes while it's running on your computer. 

Could you clarify what exactly you'd like to accomplish to see if there's a better way to achieve what you had in mind?

Thanks so much!

[skidoo52]

Hi Walter,

Goal is to transfer files from old computer to new computer.

1. copy from old computer into dropbox
2. copy from dropbox onto new computer

[Walter · Accepted solution]

In that case, you simply need to install the desktop app on your new computer and make sure to log into the same account as the old one @skidoo52

From there, you should let the desktop app sync your files until it's 'up to date' in your menu bar. 

If you'd like to adjust your syncing settings or the bandwidth the desktop app utilizes, you can do it through the app's preferences.

I hope this helps!