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
SnappingTurtle
4 months agoHelpful | Level 5
Why is Dropbox deleting local files after moving to a new computer?
Hello wise Dropbox warriors,
So I recently purchased a Macbook Air to serve as a backup/travel laptop. My main machine is an MBP 16.
I booted up the MBA using a Time Machine backup so tha...
SnappingTurtle
Helpful | Level 5
Thanks, Jay. How do you recommend doing the migration — via direct transfer?
Jay
4 months agoDropbox Staff
If you're migrating to a new machine, the best method to ensure full functionality is to install the Dropbox desktop application and have the program sync the files normally from the site.
You could try copying a version of the old Dropbox folder into the new computer, by pausing the desktop app after it creates the folders and then pasting the files there, but this can still cause some sync and permission issues.
- SnappingTurtle4 months agoHelpful | Level 5
With all due respect, that's a ridiculous solution and Dropbox should be embarrassed at making its representatives suggest it. The whole point of modern migration assistants is to move seamlessly from one computer to another without having to manually re-create the first machine. Downloading my Dropbox folder would take days and make my internet unusable for work while I did that.
I've used Dropbox for nearly 20 years. This was not a problem until Dropbox started pushing its customers to store files solely in the cloud rather than on their computers — something that makes no sense for many users, including myself, and has been badly implemented.
About Apps and Installations
Have a question about a Dropbox app or installation? Reach out to the Dropbox Community and get solutions, help, and advice from members.
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!