You might see that the Dropbox Community team have been busy working on some major updates to the Community itself! So, here is some info on what’s changed, what’s staying the same and what you can expect from the Dropbox Community overall.
Forum Discussion
skidoo52
3 years agoExplorer | Level 4
does dropbox copy itself?
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?
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!
- WalterDropbox Staff
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!
- skidoo52Explorer | Level 4Hi 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- WalterDropbox Staff
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!
About View, download, and export
Need support with viewing, downloading, and exporting files and folders from your Dropbox account? Find help from the Dropbox Community.
Need more support
If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X or Facebook.
For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.
If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!