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'Desktop' can't be opened because the original item can't be found.
I have a Mac. I went to use Dropbox to upload some files. I got a message saying I needed to update.
I followed all the prompts that popped up and ended up with Dropbox copying or moving my desktop and other files until it was full.
When I try to use Finder to access my Desktop is says, "Desktop" can't be opened because the original item can't be found."
I found an article that said to go to Preferences within my Dropbox App and choose Finder to access my files, which I did. The problem still remains.
Now when I try to open the Dropbox App, it sends me to the online version and I'm stuck. I'm not very tech savvy at all and don't understand a lot of the instructions I've seen online; nor do I really know if the instructions I've found will actually help me or cause more harm. I saw a notification that said if I move anything out of Dropbox, it will be deleted. I cannot risk having my Desktop deleted.
It sounds like you have enabled the computer backup feature.
Could you try disabling it using these steps, which will then give you an option to move the file back to their default location.
25 Replies
- Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi Laurie Solle, thanks for messaging the Community!
Just to clarify, did you enable the computer backup feature?
Are you missing any files, and if so can they be restored from the deleted files page?
This will help me to assist further! Sadly, I don't know what I did or didn't do concerning the "computer backup" feature.
I simply followed the prompts that came up. I did see a notice that said I might see my desktop moving around, but that it would look normal again after the download finished.When I first looked at the Dropbox App via the icon on my dock, I think I saw "Desktop, Downloads, and Documents" in there. After changing Preferences to use Finder, my app icon now opens to the internet version and I don't see the App contents any longer.
I have no idea if I am missing files. I wanted to upload some things from my Desktop as attachments and I got the message that I mentioned in the subject heading. I feel like I've been tricked.
- Jay
It sounds like you have enabled the computer backup feature.
Could you try disabling it using these steps, which will then give you an option to move the file back to their default location. "Could you try disabling it using these steps, which will then give you an option to move the file back to their default location."
Where are the steps that you speak of??Thank you for sending the instructions.
However, I am still stuck.
When I open my Dropbox via the icon in my dock, it seems I get the "online" version, and not the app.
I searched for the App on my computer through Finder, but it doesn't come up.
So I tried to reinstall it. I still cannot find the Dropbox App on my computer to follow the steps to disable the computer backup.
I see that my Dropbox App icon is grayed out on the top of my Mac.
If I hover over it, it says, "Dropbox 125xxxxx (looks like an identifying number) and that it is uploading over 7K files and is out of space.
- JayIf you click that gray icon in the menu bar, do you get the option to view the preferences to then disable the computer backup?
Yes, I can get Preferences!
I was able to follow your directions...hopefully, all is good...I have to go to work and can't test it out.
Thank you SO MUCH for your patience with my lack of knowledge and struggles! I appreciate you!
- JayNo worries, Laurie Solle, let me know how it goes when you test it out!
