this is how i did it on SAME computer after reinstalling windows
windows go on C: drive, dropbox files are on D: drive in subfolder "Dropbox"
i renamed that subfolder to "Dropbox OLD" and, after installing new Dropbox app, i chose same destination as before and call it the same "Dropbox". since i changed old subfolder name, there will be no conflict. I close dropbox app and MOVE (CUT/PASTE) everything from subfolder "Dropbox OLD" to new one.
then start dropbox again and let it sync. you shouldnt get any probs except if you changed some files from another computer (both will be preserved)
You mean just point dropbox to the previous folder where dropbox synced files? Are you sure, because I've heard there are problems with conflicted copies? – SPRajagopal – 2013-09-15T09:22:40.610
I had no problems when I did this. Conflicted copies may however occur, if you change the data in the folder between the last "old" and the first "new synchronization". And as NT already said: Make sure top copy the Dropbox folder somewhere save before reinstalling Dropbox. – Tim – 2013-09-15T09:28:04.770
2problems with duplicate copies occur with ownership and permission issues. use the same account name when formatting. – Lorenzo Von Matterhorn – 2013-09-15T09:56:38.490
It's should not be mark as answer, i just do that. All files is mark as conflict, and dropbox client sync all file again. – Cheung – 2013-11-10T17:24:37.467
may be 99 people does it well but you (1/100) fail...So %99 it's working...if you try again,I hope it works for you too... – NT. – 2013-11-11T21:55:32.537
@Shiba not really, I already had this issue twice - one when upgrading windows from 8 to 8.1 and now when refreshing 8.1... all files were marked as duplicates and renamed - very annoying! – Wojtek – 2014-01-10T18:14:37.010