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Desktop files/pictures disappeared after uninstalling - Mac OS 10.14.6
Hi Jay. There are a few similar queries but none seems to offer a practical solution to my frustrating problem.
After removing/uninstalling a recent 'Dropbox' application (and removing/emptying its items from the trash) I see all my desktop items have disappeared - except 'Macintosh HD'. The desktop icon in 'Finder' appears to be empty. 'Documents' / Applications & 'Downloads' all appear to be unaffected. All that is left of a 'Dropbox 'reference on my Finder are folders: "com.dropbox.client.crashpad" and "com.get.garcon" ??
Because a Desktop icon no longer exists on Finder I am unable to save items to desktop - quote: "The operation can’t be completed because the original item for “Desktop” can’t be found."
Any remedies to recoup my missing desktop information and files? Thank you.
Just jumping in here too, hey there Efreken7!
On a Mac device, dragging an app to the trash will uninstall the app for you.
This means that you can do a fresh install of the app from our website here.
During the setup of the app, it will ask if you want to set up the computer backup. From that window, you can choose to just enable this for the Desktop and not any other folder.
Let me know if this helps Lance!
13 Replies
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- Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi Efreken7; welcome to our Community and happy Monday!
As it seems like you've enabled the computer backup feature, we'll first need to clarify if you disabled the feature before uninstalling the desktop application from your computer.
Could you take a look at the relevant Help Center article and let us know if it helps?
Thanks!
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I have read the Help Center Article.
Dropbox was fully installed initially. I then simply dragged the Dropbox icons to the trash. I did not uninstall. I do not believe that i disabled anything at all .. either before installing or after. I have attached two pictures. I. Desktop picture upon logging in.. no files in there, only "mackintosh HD" in the top corner, and 2. my Finder page. Clicking on 'Desktop' only bring a few old files but these do not appear on the main page.
Does my reply make sense. I am only reasonably tech savvy unfortunately.
Jay. That seems very plausable. I did not disable the compter backup.. Checked, but "no recentlydeleted files".
Actually I am not too concerned at losing the files etc that were on the desktop, but would certainly like the ability to again post things to the Desktop page. Thanks.
Oops! Just noticed I replied to Walter and not Jay's message. Apologies!!
Jay. No missing files to recover. Any idea where I can go to now to get this problem sorted out?
As I previously indicated I am not too concerned about losing my desktop files (although it would be nice to recover them!). Geeting my fully functioning Desktop back again - and being able to post items /files etc there is my main goal now.
Thank you.
- Walter
In that case, you'll need to re-install the app (if you indeed uninstalled it at some point) and then, disable the computer backup feature Efreken7.
Upon that process, you'll get the option to either "Keep content in folders on this PC/Mac" or "Leave content in Dropbox" as needed.
Let us know how it goes!
Walter. I definitely did not uninstall the Drpbox App as I was unsure as to how to go about that function. Merely dragged into trash and then cleared out trash bin.
Before I try your valued suggestion, I thought iI should share what 'Dropbox' items/files are still showing on my Mac when I search my finder: com.dropbox.client.crashpad, com.getdropbox.garcon , Dropbox file solver.webarchive
After installing Dropbox as you suggest, do I find the 'Computer Backup' feature on the Dropbox App ..?
Thank you again for your input.
Lance
- Daphne
Just jumping in here too, hey there Efreken7!
On a Mac device, dragging an app to the trash will uninstall the app for you.
This means that you can do a fresh install of the app from our website here.
During the setup of the app, it will ask if you want to set up the computer backup. From that window, you can choose to just enable this for the Desktop and not any other folder.
Let me know if this helps Lance!
Daphne. Appreciate your input. I have just reinstalled Dropbox BUT did not see the computer backup option during the install. Now that I have Dropbox back, any chance of doing this computer backup now? I see I still have not got my full desktop functually back -(cannot move any items/files etc to my desktop). Thank you.
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