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Forum Discussion

alexanderr20's avatar
alexanderr20
New member | Level 2
7 years ago

Format computer hard drive without having to re-sync my whole Dropbox

I would like to format my machine but do not want to delete file on my drop box I would also like to be able to back my files up locally so that I do not have to dowload them all again once i have ...
Desktop
Setting up the apps
Sync
  • Elixir's avatar
    Elixir
    7 years ago

    Hi alexanderr20, In order to do that follow these steps: 

     

    1. Make sure that Dropbox has completed any sync process, and all files are up to date. 
    2. Then copy the contents of your Dropbox folder to your portable drive (such as a USB drive or external hard drive). 
    3. Format your computer/reinstall operating system.
    4. Install the latest version of the Dropbox desktop application and sign in to your account when prompted. 
    5. The application will create a Dropbox folder and begin downloading files from your account. Stop the download immediately by clicking the Dropbox icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), and selecting Pause Syncing from the menu.
    6. Copy the files from your portable drive into the Dropbox folder.
    7. Resume syncing by clicking the Dropbox icon in the system tray or menu bar, and selecting Resume Syncing from the menu. 

    That should work for you. 

  • Lusil's avatar
    Lusil
    7 years ago
    Hi alexanderr20, thanks for posting your question on the Forum, & welcome aboard! ⛵
     
    I just wanted to add to what Elixir suggests above & clarify that when you Resume Syncing, your files will reindex, which also means that it should be faster in relation to them being downloaded from the start. 
     
    Please do keep us updated on the matter & let us know if you have any more questions you’d like to forward. In the mean time, have a wonderful day ahead! :upside_down:
Elixir's avatar
Elixir
Star | Level 19
7 years ago

Hi alexanderr20, In order to do that follow these steps: 

 

  1. Make sure that Dropbox has completed any sync process, and all files are up to date. 
  2. Then copy the contents of your Dropbox folder to your portable drive (such as a USB drive or external hard drive). 
  3. Format your computer/reinstall operating system.
  4. Install the latest version of the Dropbox desktop application and sign in to your account when prompted. 
  5. The application will create a Dropbox folder and begin downloading files from your account. Stop the download immediately by clicking the Dropbox icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), and selecting Pause Syncing from the menu.
  6. Copy the files from your portable drive into the Dropbox folder.
  7. Resume syncing by clicking the Dropbox icon in the system tray or menu bar, and selecting Resume Syncing from the menu. 

That should work for you. 

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