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Forum Discussion
Dropbox files do not automatically download to new computer
I got a second computer and I want to keep all my files syncronized among Computer #1 <-->Dropbox<-->Computer #2.
As a first step, I need to get my files from Computer #1/Dropbox onto Computer #2. I have followed the instructions in "Using Dropbox to migrate files from one computer to another" (https://www.dropbox.com/help/desktop-web/move-to-new-computer), i.e. - install Dropbox on new computer, sign in to Dropbox desktop app with the same Dropbox account on both computers, etc.
However, the files on my Computer #1/ Dropbox do NOT automatically download to Computer #2 as the instructions say they will.
Can anyone help?
wrote:
Thank you for your quick reply! Can you tell me specifically where it is supposed to show "Up to date"? I have not been able to find any such message on either of my computers. Thanks!
Hover your mouse cursor over the Dropbox icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) and a hover text popup will appear showing the status of Dropbox.
Also, on the same icon, left-click it, then click the gear icon and select Preferences. Do this on both computers and verify that the email address listed on each one is the same. If they're not, you're signed in to two different Dropbox accounts and that's why files on computer 1 aren't syncing to computer 2.
- Walter
Dropbox Staff
Hey dmp3357,
Thanks for reaching out about this!
One thing to check first is that you are actively running the desktop app on both computers and it is showing "Up to date" to be fully synced and able to access all of your files. When you first link a new computer to your account ( by downloading, installing and logging into the desktop app) the app should start syncing changes and indexing your files - this could take some time but the files will eventually sync to your computer. Once the app's icon shows "Up to date" you should be able to access your files normally.
I hope this helps and please let us know what you find. If this persists, please send us more information surrounding your case.
Cheers
Thank you for your quick reply! Can you tell me specifically where it is supposed to show "Up to date"? I have not been able to find any such message on either of my computers. Thanks!
- Rich
Super User II
wrote:
Thank you for your quick reply! Can you tell me specifically where it is supposed to show "Up to date"? I have not been able to find any such message on either of my computers. Thanks!
Hover your mouse cursor over the Dropbox icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) and a hover text popup will appear showing the status of Dropbox.
Also, on the same icon, left-click it, then click the gear icon and select Preferences. Do this on both computers and verify that the email address listed on each one is the same. If they're not, you're signed in to two different Dropbox accounts and that's why files on computer 1 aren't syncing to computer 2.
