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Forum Discussion
My desktop app on macOS Tahoe won't start/open.
Device
(MacBook Air, M3, 2024)
Operating System/Browser (if using the web)
(macOS Tahoe v.26.3)
Dropbox App Version (if using the app)
(unclear - can not get the app to truly open, despite the error I get when trying to uninstall saying it is open/ running)
Syncing Status
(VERY out of sync, mysteriously)
Question or Issue:
My desktop sync app seems to be operating in a limbo state between being open, and not being open. It is not working, indicated by the severely out of sync state of the folders (half missing), but uninstall fails, because the app shows as "open" despite being unopenable.
I've tried opening the application, but what I see upon double-clicking the application is the blink as if it is opening, then I get brought to the out of sync finder folder window, and yet there is no icon in the menu bar as it should be, and I can not access the app settings, indicated that it isn't truly open, but the error below indicates otherwise.
I referenced this user's recent issue that seemed similar to mine, and tried to follow the advanced reinstallation instructions, after trying a simple reinstall to no avail, but got the following error when I attempted to move the app to trash:
"The item 'Dropbox' can’t be moved to the Trash because it’s open."
The sync function was working normally as late as last night, and I updated the system's operating system as prompted yesterday morning. I can only assume there is an issue related to the OS update, but the delay does seem odd.
5 Replies
Update:
Was able to right click the finder menu folder to get the app info for the Dropbox sync app, and while it doesn't given an explicit version, it says it was last modified February 4th, 2026.
🤷♀️
- Nancy
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi whoisthatpanda! I’m sorry to hear about your issue.
I’m guessing you’ve restarted your device in the meantime, but it didn’t make any difference, correct?
If yes, I’d like a full screenshot of the error message that you’re getting stating that the Dropbox app is currently open.
Other than that, I'd like you to open your Activity Monitor and let me know if Dropbox appears to be running on your computer at the moment.
Let me know, once you have more info to share.
Hey Nancy, thanks for checking in. Yes, I've done the basics (re: restarted, etc.), and am in the same boat.
Here is the screenshot of the error message:
I also opened Activity Monitor, and searched for Dropbox. Here is what that looks like:
- Megan
Hey whoisthatpandam thanks for the screenshots!
Since you have launched 'Activity Monitor', can you also select and close any items that refer to Dropbox? Please click on the line that references the process to select it and then click on the 'X' at the top left corner of the screen.
After you've done so, please try to follow the normal uninstall instructions.
Ok, thank you! That at least allowed me to get as far as trying to fully remove files through the Terminal app, but that is where the instructions stalled again. When I add the terminal lines from the instructions, whether I do it one line at a time or as a set (as it prompts to copy the whole thing), I get a "password" prompt, but can't type anything.
Screenshot for context:
