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Spotlight Search Doesn't Link to Files in Dropbox in macOS 13 Ventura
After upgrading to macOS Ventura, I was prompted to upgrade to "Dropbox for macOS 12". I proceeded with that, it moved my Dropbox folder to ~/Library/CloudStorage and confirmed all was successful. Now when using Spotlight to search (I often type something like 'drawings folder' to open a folder called Drawings) the results in Spotlight show the Dropbox app icon beside the name of the item I want (rather than a Finder icon for folder or file). Hitting Enter or clicking on the result switches to Finder and does nothing, or sometimes will open the Applications folder and show the Dropbox app. It's not linking me to the actual file in ~/Library/CloudStorage.
I have done the following and the problem is not solved:
- Restarted
- Ensured all files are available for offline access
- Rebuilt the spotlight index
- Unlinked Dropbox from this Mac, did a complete clean install of dropbox, performed the upgrade to v159.4.5870 and synced just one folder to begin
Nothing works. Any suggestions??
- That’s the same problem I had. I solved it by doing a complete clean install of dropbox. You may not need to do all of this, but to be safe, in Dropbox settings Selective Sync uncheck all of your folders and wait for them to be removed from your Mac. Once that’s done, unlink your Mac from Dropbox preferences. You should see the Dropbox getting started screen. Quit Dropbox and move the app to the Trash. Remove all dropbox files from ~/Library being careful to look at the path name. Only remove things that are within a Dropbox parent folder. Look in library application support, and library preferences. Empty the Trash. Restart your Mac. Reinstall Dropbox from dropbox.com. Once reinstalled, to make things faster sync only one small folder and wait for the prompt that new Dropbox for macOS 12 is available. You should see the message within a few minutes of reinstalling Dropbox. Allow it to upgrade and migrate your files to the new location. Once that’s done you can then sync all your folders. Let your Mac index itself and the problem should be solved.
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"It is reversible. Just sign out, deinstall, download, install again and sync. And do not update again! There is still possible to use Dropbox in a way we used to..."
no, it's not:
i just did it.de-install (everything), downloaded old version (from september), deleted the dropbox folder after saving it on an external disk and re-installed the app.
then the message came, that under ventura the db-folder needed to be in the library (where it was put during installation) and the spotlight-problem was there again, when i moved the filse back from the backup:
'squeezed' document icons which would not open after 'enter'
WHAT A MESS
Ive done this exactly as described with no help. Already re-indexed spotlight to the Dropbox folder and still no effect
Exactly same problem
Hey Megan, ive tried the solutions you suggest (as well the soultions of the users above), no help at all. I do rely heavily on Dropbox and Searchlight itegrations
Same here - the documents inside the new Dropbox folder will be listed in the Spotlight search result, but won't open (by pressing return) nor won't display (by Command-regurn). Uninstalling / reinstalling won't help.
Interestingly enough, Spotlight won't show up the document inside the new Dropbox folder, but it will show up the "folder" inside the new Dropbox folder.
With reversable I mean reinstall and DO NOT UPDATE. An old version works just fine for me...I know it doesn't have such functionality as files offline or online only..
I'm very curious - why this severe issue has not been fixed yet, although so many people complain and it can be very easily reproduceable?
Anyway I'll have to try downgrading (uninstalling, reinstalling, and NO update).
And you will succeed. I did it 4 times trying to help Dropbox team to locate this issue, sending them my logs. But after all these experiments there is just silence..I hope they work on it. Just would be great to KNOW IT here on a forum..Probably they wont reply officialy, because there are many paid customers here. And who knows what could happen, if they all will ask for a refund..
Yep, I am now having the same issue. You can still find the files if you use the Dropbox app search icon instead, but it sure is a real bummer not being able to directly search with Spotlight.
