This is the process I've always used, but now it's causing every folder to conflict. * Installed Dropbox on new computer, closed Dropbox * Manually copied all folders into its new location * Open Dropbox, it sees that all files are present; no downloading required. What is the process now for doing a new install without re-downloading hundreds of GBs that I already have locally?

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How can I avoid selective sync conflicts?

D P

This is the process I've always used, but now it's causing every folder to conflict.

Installed Dropbox on new computer, closed Dropbox
Manually copied all folders into its new location
Open Dropbox, it sees that all files are present; no downloading required.

What is the process now for doing a new install without re-downloading hundreds of GBs that I already have locally?

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D P

I've resorted to using an alternative Dropbox client called Maestral for now, as it picks up sync with existing files well enough until I can finish migrating elsewhere

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Rich

D P wrote:
What is the process now for doing a new install without re-downloading hundreds of GBs that I already have locally?

There has never been an official method. The only official method of installing Dropbox on a new computer is to simply install the software and allow it to sync. Dropbox doesn't support the method you used previously.

Unofficially, the method you used is exactly how I've always done it as well and it has always worked fine. If, during the install, you're telling Dropbox to not sync any files locally, then you're enabling Selective Sync and copying folders in manually would cause the conflict. During the install, make sure you're telling it to sync all folders locally. Yes, it will start to sync them down, but when you exit Dropbox and copy the folders manually, Dropbox should just index them when it starts up again.

D P

I've resorted to using an alternative Dropbox client called Maestral for now, as it picks up sync with existing files well enough until I can finish migrating elsewhere

D P

I don't know if I'd call "Don't use the official Dropbox client" as an appropriate solution!

Rich

D P wrote:
I don't know if I'd call "Don't use the official Dropbox client" as an appropriate solution!

The appropriate solution would be to install the Dropbox application and allow it to sync your files down normally, instead of copying the files into the folder manually. That's not officially supported and not how the application is meant to work.