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Dropbox Backup migration to new computer using the same external drive

Hello,

To avoid losing my data, I back it up to the cloud using Dropbox. I’m considering buying an M1 Mac mini to use as a server, so I can access my data from my MacBook Air and automate my backups.

My question is: will I have to redo all my backups, or will simply connecting my SSD to the Mac mini allow Dropbox to continue syncing without having to re-upload all 3TB of data?

Thank you for your help.

Best regards,

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Walter

Thanks for the clarifications @Marc L.18 - much appreciated.

In this case, your external drive would be considered as a new one and would be backed up anew.

You should be able to locate your backups in the backups page through the web on any device though.

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Walter

Hi there @Marc L.18 - thanks for posting on our Community and happy Monday!

When you say you're backing up your data to Dropbox, can you please clarify if you're using the Dropbox Backup feature to do this or if you just sync your files via the Dropbox desktop app (and the Dropbox folder)?

Also note that upon installing the Dropbox desktop app on your new computer (the one you'll use as a server), you'll get the option to choose which folders you'd like to sync to that particular device.

In any case, please let us know more information and we'll take it from there, Marc.

Marc L.18

Thank you for your interest in my post.

I’m currently using Dropbox Backup, which is active on my MacBook Air. The backup source is a 4TB SanDisk external SSD containing all my data.

My objective is to disconnect this SSD from the MacBook Air and instead connect it to a Mac mini, which I intend to use as a dedicated server.

My main question is: if I connect the same SSD to the Mac mini, will Dropbox recognize it as the existing backup source and resume syncing without reuploading everything from scratch? Or would the system consider it a new device and require a full reinitialization of the backup?

Walter

Thanks for the clarifications @Marc L.18 - much appreciated.

In this case, your external drive would be considered as a new one and would be backed up anew.

You should be able to locate your backups in the backups page through the web on any device though.

Marc L.18

Thank you for the clear explanation.

To confirm: does this mean I need to manually delete the existing Dropbox Backup before initiating a new backup from the same external SSD on the Mac mini, in order to avoid any conflicts or duplication?

Walter

No need to delete your backup @Marc L.18 - just download the folders you need directly through the backups page.

Marc L.18

Even if my current 3TB backup already contains 2.5TB of data?

I won’t get an error message saying that my Dropbox storage is full?

Walter

Only if you choose to download it inside your Dropbox folder, Marc. Otherwise, you'll need to have enough hard drive space on your computer to hold this amount of data.

If you'd like to back up your external drive anew through the Dropbox Backup feature though, you'll need to delete your old backup before connecting it to your new computer to make up some storage and avoid the warnings you mentioned.

Marc L.18

Thank you for your explanation.

Here’s a view of my current backup — what would you recommend in this case?

Walter

You'll need to delete your old backup before creating your new one on your new computer to make up storage space, Marc. Assuming that you'd like to have your external drive backed up to Dropbox again.

Marc L.18

Perfect, thank @Walter you for your valuable help!

Walter

No worries, Marc - I'm just glad I could help.

See you around the Community and have a lovely week ahead!

Theresa

Hi @Marc L.18 and welcome back to the Dropbox Community. I'm glad to see that you're query has been answered.

I’m Theresa 👩‍💻, one of the Community Managers here. I’m often buzzing around the forum to lend a hand or spark new discussions.

Just curious... are there any Dropbox settings or features you’ve found especially helpful lately? We love learning new tricks from savvy members like you!

Catch you around,

T 😸 (Dropbox Community Manager

Marc L.18

Hi @Theresa

I think the Dropbox development teams are top-notch, they manage to deliver simple, functional, and efficient solutions within the Apple ecosystem, which is no easy task.

Personally, I mainly use the incremental backup feature, which allows me to have a cloud backup in addition to my external hard drive backups.

My expectations:

Continue optimizing integration with macOS
Offer a 4TB plan for individual users, with competitive pricing