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Forum Discussion
The app re-indexes all files after each restart on Mac.
Each time I restart my Mac, Dropbox goes through reindexing of (seemingly) all files in my folder. The Mac's CPU usage goes up and the fan kicks in - it makes the computer slow for at least 15 minute...
I switched back to Mac this week after three years on PC. I bought a new MacBook Pro and installed the latest Dropbox. After a few days I managed to sync my almost 2TB of files to the new computer. Each day when I start the computer, indexing takes over three hours and syncing what is already synced adds to that time. I have Dropbox located on an external SanDisk Pro Blade Thunderbolt 3 NVME.
- Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey willmaupin thanks for posting here today!
Let me start off by apologizing if this reply is long, but I want to make sure we've got everything covered.
It’s understandable to be concerned when Dropbox keeps indexing files repeatedly. Keep in mind that 2TB of content, is also quite the size for the app to re-index.
As a first step, can you clarify which Dropbox desktop app version you use on your end? You can find this by hovering your mouse over the little Dropbox icon in your menu bar, next to your WiFi. I'm asking, because I'd like for us to make sure that you're not using a beta version.
Do you use macOS on File Provider, and is the external drive formatted as APFS and encrypted?
Is it possible that the external drive is disconnected and reconnected, which prompts Dropbox to re-index?
Looking forward to your reply!
Hi, Dropbox version 228.4.5567. File Provider = yes, APFS encrypted = yes. The drive is hot-swappable, but I do not take it out or disconnect it. The first day of syncing it was in another dock. I wanted to move it to a dedicated dock so I shut down, moved it, and Dropbox did not complain.
- Walter
Hey willmaupin - thanks for the additional information you provided.
Can you let us know approximately how many files you're syncing on your computer via the Dropbox desktop app at the moment?
I'm only asking because you could notice a decline in the app's performance if you're syncing a large amount of files, namely more than 300,000 files.
