Apps and Installations FAQs

 

Dropbox fails to launch after macOS updates (e.g., 15.5).

Quick Guide

1. Ensure system extension (and Keychain access) is enabled.
2. Reinstall using admin privileges.
3. If needed, perform an advanced reinstall to clear old settings.
4. Restart your Mac and reopen Dropbox.

Common Causes

• System extension or Keychain denied access.
• Corrupted install or outdated app data.

Possible Fixes

• Enable system extension in Settings → Security & Privacy.
• Reinstall Dropbox with admin rights as per Help Center.

Official Help Center References

• What to do if the Dropbox desktop app won't install.

 

I want to point desktop app to my old Dropbox folder to avoid re-syncing.

Quick Guide

1. Run an advanced reinstall, but during this step, select Advanced Settings.
2. Point installer to the folder containing your existing Dropbox files.
3. Complete installation—Dropbox recognizes existing content and resumes sync.

Common Causes

• Standard install ignores existing folders and re-downloads everything.

Possible Fixes

• Use advanced reinstall to preserve existing data and settings.

Official Help Center References

• Advanced reinstall page with “choose folder” instructions.

Missing icons or right-click menu for Dropbox sync on macOS.

Quick Guide

1. Ensure the desktop app is installed with admin privileges.
2. Confirm the app is actively running (icon in menu bar).
3. In Preferences → General, enable Dropbox system extension.
4. Reinstall Dropbox using advanced settings if icons still missing.

Common Causes

• App installation without admin rights.
• System extension not installed or blocked.
• Desktop app not running properly.

Possible Fixes

• Reinstall Dropbox with admin privileges.
• Enable system extension and grant necessary permissions.
• Restart your Mac to finalize installation.

Official Help Center References

• Desktop install and system extension requirements.

I'm struggling to switch accounts or sign out of the wrong one in the desktop app.

Quick Guide

1. In the Dropbox app, go to Preferences → Account → “Unlink this Dropbox.”
2. Re-launch Dropbox and sign in with the desired account.
3. Confirm via the Dropbox icon and email identity on the web interface.

Common Causes

• No “log out” option—must unlink first.
• Saved credentials auto-relink incorrect account.

Possible Fixes

• Use the unlink feature in settings.
• Reinstall the app for a clean account prompt, if needed.

Official Help Center References

• Troubleshooting account sign-in error and switching.

Dropbox.com hangs or never fully loads during login.

Quick Guide

1. Clear your browser cache or use an incognito window.
2. Try a different browser to rule out extension issues.
3. Verify Dropbox system status—check if it's down.
4. If browser and site are fine, contact Dropbox support.

Common Causes

• Browser cache or cookie corruption.
• Browser extensions or incompatible versions.
• Temporary site outages.

Possible Fixes

• Perform a hard reload or use incognito mode.
• Switch browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
• Check Dropbox status page for outages.

Official Help Center References

• Troubleshoot homepage loading failures.

Dropbox desktop app crashes on Windows systems.

Quick Guide

1. Restart your PC to clear conflicts.
2. Update Dropbox to the latest stable version.
3. Uninstall and reinstall using the official installer with admin privileges.
4. Whitelist Dropbox in firewall/antivirus settings and allow necessary ports.
5. Avoid installing on network drives—use a local drive instead.
6. If still crashing, contact Dropbox Support.

Common Causes

• Outdated or beta app version.
• Interference from security or firewall software.
• Dropbox installed on unsupported network drive.

Possible Fixes

• Use the advanced reinstall steps from Help Center.
• Update OS and uninstall conflicting applications.
• Grant full network permissions to Dropbox.

Official Help Center References

• Unexpected quit/troubleshooting guide.
• Advanced reinstall instructions.