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Forum Discussion
Dropbox External Drive Backup - Changing Computers
I’ve just found out when you change Laptop / Desktop you can’t continue to use the same external hard drive with Dropbox Backup. This is absolute madness.
If you want to continue to use that hard drive with Dropbox Backup you have to re upload the full HD.
I have 2TB used on a 4TB external SSD and I’ve just changed to a new MacBook. I’m having to spend three days uploading / backing-up all my data again just to continue to use that same drive with the new device. What a waste of energy, electricity, data and bandwidth. For no reason. My old backup is sitting there in my account with all the same data and I just have to re-upload 2TB of the exact same files for no reason other than Dropbox can’t set up a way to re-link an external hard drive on on a new system.
I can’t believe this is the current state of affairs for this service.
If you want to continue to use that hard drive with Dropbox Backup you have to re upload the full HD.
I have 2TB used on a 4TB external SSD and I’ve just changed to a new MacBook. I’m having to spend three days uploading / backing-up all my data again just to continue to use that same drive with the new device. What a waste of energy, electricity, data and bandwidth. For no reason. My old backup is sitting there in my account with all the same data and I just have to re-upload 2TB of the exact same files for no reason other than Dropbox can’t set up a way to re-link an external hard drive on on a new system.
I can’t believe this is the current state of affairs for this service.
- Megan
Dropbox Staff
Hey there, euanburton, thanks for posting here!
Your feedback regarding our external drive has been very valuable and I will endeavor to make sure your voice is heard.
I definitely see what you mean, and how it's affecting you while it's also not ideal.
I will pass on your comments to the relevant departments so that we can further improve our product.
If you need anything else, let me know!
Hello,
I am running into this same issue mentioned in the post above. Is there still no solve for this almost one year after this posted? If I change computers do I need to re-upload my entire external drive?
- Walter
Hey ajglendinning - could you let us know more about the issue you're facing so that we can advise further?
Would the backups page help with what you had in mind perhaps?
