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Forum Discussion
Impossible to access my files (documents, downloads and desktop) on Mac because of Dropbox sync
Hello,
In 2020, I worked for a company and I had to download Dropbox on my computer. Since 1 week, I encountered a big issue with my Mac since I can no longer access all my files. For example, when I try to open my file Documents it says ""Documents" cannot be opened because the original item cannot be found.". I called Apple's customer service and after few days of research, it appears that this problem is caused by the Dropbox syncronization. As I understood it, they told me that my files still exist but it's somewhere on my Mac and that Dropbox bloc the access. The problem is that since I have no news form the company and I don't know if it still exist. Therefore I can't access the account I used when I was working with them.
Is there someone who had the same problem or is there anyway to contact Dropbox's customer support ?
Thank you in advance
47 Replies
After restarting my computer, also the Desktop folder works as expected now. Thanks again for your help.
Yes, thanks.
Hello -
I've noticed that I can no longer access my desktop folder on my MacBook Air 2020 (running Ventura).
It shows as an alias and shows the folder as empty (which it certainly isn't) and when I try to view my Desktop from the sidebar of a Finder window, I get this error:"The folder “Desktop” can’t be opened because you don’t have permission to see its contents."
When I click on "get info" it lists the original location as:/Users/[my name]/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox/My Mac (MacBook-Pro)/Desktop
I've seen posts suggesting I change the permissions to give myself permission to access this folder but in "Get Info" I don't see a lock icon, or anywhere where I can change permissions.
What do I do to fix this?
Thanks so much.
Thanks Megan.
The problem is, when I open "Get Info", there is no "Sharing and Permissions" arrow / section.Any ideas what else I can try?
Jamie
Hi Megan!
I managed to fix it by finding the source of the original folder from the Alias.
And *that* folder allowed me to change permissions.
Thanks for your help!Jamie
You talks about problems and act like you are providing solutions but don't and instead ask for screenshots. If you truly wanted to help you would have the different types of computers to see what we are dealing with rather than claims that the problems are resolved. In my case it says to disable the back up and it should replace the files - but doesn't. The back up has been disabled. It says reinstall dropbox and I did and still nothing. I have lost my desktop, documents and download files on my Mac. It is unbelievable you can't fix this problem.
- Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey Scott B.35, let's jump right into this!
Just to make sure we're on the same page, I understand that what you want, is to move your Documents, Desktop and Downloads back to where they originally were, right? If not, feel free to correct me.
If you access your account online, are you able to see your content there? What about the message to reinstall Dropbox? Where do you see that?
Keep me posted, and we'll take it from there!
