Files stuck "downloading", PC not syncing, CPU overloading!

Hey Karl H.4, I hope you're well today!

It seems that the app is trying to sync the files due to the high CPU usage, but is unable to process this. Can you try the following to see if this does the trick:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray.
2. Click the profile pic/initials icon in the top right of the window.
3. Choose "Preferences..."
4. Go to the "Account" tab.
5. While holding the Space bar key, click "Fix Permissions".

If this doesn't resolve the issue, please follow the steps again and instead click "Fix Hardlinks". 

You'll get a little prompt when the action has been completed, and the app might need a short time just to apply the change and continue syncing so please allow a short period of time to see if there is progress in the sync status.

Let me know how it goes!

Hi Daphne,

When I got to my other PC later, I was feeling optimistic because all of my file changes had synced.  However, this morning I am "uploading 22 files, downloading 33 files" and Dropbox is still grinding the CPU.  I'm relieved that it's at least syncing again, but something's still wrong.  thanks!

Another thing -- I downloaded a file on my other PC last night.  I could see it on this PC this morning, but when I tried to open it, I got a pop-up in the lower right saying something about "Smart Sync download."  The notification briefly showed that I was downloading 34 files instead of 33, and then it finished and I'm back to 33.  What's up with that?  I've never used Smart Sync.

Thanks for the updates Karl H.4!

Can you just clarify for me, did the syncing on your desktop app progress and finally show "up to date", or is it stuck again syncing a number of files?

Regarding the Smart Sync notification, it sounds like the file that you tried to open was synced to your device as "online only" rather than locally. Did you happen to see the sync icon before opening the file?

Can you check in the following location if the default for syncing new files on that device is set to "Local" or "Online only":

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray.
2. Click the profile pic/initials icon in the top right of the window.
3. Choose "Preferences..."
4. Go to the "Sync" tab.
5. Check the settings "Sync new files as".

Keep me posted on your findings!

Daphne,

I am still stuck at "uploading 22 files, downloading 33 files".  It helpfully also tells me "(2+days)".

thanks

Thanks for clarifying Karl H.4!

I'd like to look into this in more detail with you, so I've reached out to the email linked with your profile here.

If you'd like to, please check your inbox when you have the chance and we'll take if from there.

Thanks!

Hey again Karl H.4!

Thanks for taking the time to get back to me here with the details on what resolved this for you. I'm sure that this will be helpful for others having the same issue as you. 

If you need anything else, please feel free to give me a shout here anytime. :grin:

I hope you enjoy the rest of your week!

I have the same problem, but your solution does not help.

When I go to the Account Tab, there is no "Fix Permissions" or "Fix Hardlinks" button to click at all.  Only and option to unlink the Dropbox from my computer.

Thanks for joining us rpbergman!

Just to double check with you, when you go to the "Account" tab can you try clicking in the blank space in that window and then hold the space bar key to see if the options appear?

You may need to hold down the space bar key for a short amount of time before you see the option. Please be careful not to mistakenly unlink your account.

Can you let me know what the sync status is showing you exactly? Do you not see the number of syncing files decreasing at all?

Also, which version of the desktop app do you currently have installed?

Let me know what you find!