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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.
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When I tried to open my Desktop, everything worked the way I would expect it to! I'm so relieved! My problem wasn't a big problem in the real world of Dropbox, but it was to me since I couldn't figure it out by myself.
Again, MANY THANKS for taking the time to help me through it.
- Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
I'm happy to hear that it's working now. If you need any further assistance in the future, please, feel free to let me know.
Enjoy the remainder of your week! Im having the SAME issues but when I go to preferences and l click manage backups a box pops up but it's all white. (like it hasn't fully loaded?)
IM so stressed- My drop box holds ALL my client files.- Nancy
Hi Ameelcurtis, thanks for posting here.
First off, I’d like you to send me a screenshot of what you see exactly, after clicking on the “Manage backups” option.
Have you also visited this page on your web account? If you wish, you can also send me a screenshot of what you see there, as well.
Let me know.
Hi, Wonder if you can help please. Nasty loss of apps and documents yesterday. Happily dropbox kept the files for me to restore but will not let me download/install the deleted Dropbox app to my iMac and MacBook
“Dropbox” can’t be opened because the original item can’t be found.
Any help hugely appreciated
Barry
- Walter
Hey Pimlico, sorry to hear about this.
Could you clarify the exact steps you take to do this and send us a screenshot of the error you're getting?
Have you tried reinstalling the desktop app at all?
Thank you for responding, Walter.
After a disastrous loss of apps containing documents (Word, Scrivener, Dropbox), as well as their contents, I was relieved to see that although Dropbox had deleted everything too, it mercifully gave me the chance to restore. I've tried several times to download Dropbox for my iMac and MacBook but it won't install and, as a result, can't access the documents. Any suggestions gratefully received.
Barry
- Walter
Are you getting any specific errors or is the installer not running at all, Barry?
Could you try using the offline installer from this page and let me know how it goes?
PS: If you happen to be on the Basic plan, make sure that you have no more than 3 devices connected to your account as you might be hitting the device limit.
Thank you Walter. First, I had a couple of tries to install this morning and the second one worked!
I did try the offline downloader but promptly got the message that it was inappropriate.
I've no idea why it's worked today and not yesterday.
All files recovered, save, crucially, for those in the last month (a big disappointment). However, it means I have earlier drafts of my writing to work from.
I'm going to go with this and write the 48 hours of concern off to experience.
Many thanks again for your help
- Walter
I'm glad to hear it's sorted now, Barry - thanks for keeping me in the loop too!
Take care and have a lovely weekend!
