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Forum Discussion
Solved
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.
15th time is the charm? NO idea why, but this last attempt took.
As soon as the install finished, the icon finally showed up in the menu bar (where it had been missing), and I was then able to get into setting to fix the real issue:
With some recent app update, half my folders were "hidden from device with selective sync". Either I was bamboozled into making those selections, or I was drugged, no idea. Everything seems to be back to normal now.
I pity the person who sees this thread and thinks "ME TOO!" because there is no repeatable process here. Sorry future sufferers!
12 Replies
Replies have been turned off for this discussion
- Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Amazing news whoisthatpanda! 🙃
Happy to see that your issue is now resolved!
If you need anything else, just give us a shout. Thanks!
15th time is the charm? NO idea why, but this last attempt took.
As soon as the install finished, the icon finally showed up in the menu bar (where it had been missing), and I was then able to get into setting to fix the real issue:
With some recent app update, half my folders were "hidden from device with selective sync". Either I was bamboozled into making those selections, or I was drugged, no idea. Everything seems to be back to normal now.
I pity the person who sees this thread and thinks "ME TOO!" because there is no repeatable process here. Sorry future sufferers!
- Megan
Hey whoisthatpanda!
One last thing I'd like for us to try: could you kindly download and run the installer and then send us a screenshot of the menu bar, where you should be seeing the Dropbox icon, as well as a screenshot of the Dropbox folder?
Megan see the original description and screenshots -- nothing has changed.
- Megan
Hey whoisthatpanda!
Since you reinstalled the app, could you let me know what exactly happens when you try to access the app?
Do you get any startup errors, or something else entirely? If you have any screenshots, they're more than welcome. Thanks!
I am the only user of this computer (my personal laptop, no IT oversight), so admin privileges should have been inherent, I think?
Meanwhile, installing via that link resulted in exactly the same issue, no change.
- Walter
Did you install it with admin privileges in the first place on your computer whoisthatpanda?
While we're at it, can you try the offline installer from this page directly and let me know how it goes?
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:
- 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.
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:
