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Why am I getting a 'Couldn't start Dropbox' permission error?
Here's the message that I get:
Couldn't start Dropbox.
This is usually because of permission error. Storing your home folder on a network share can also cause an error.
This often happens with users who may have migrated old data and settings from another Mac to their current computer.
Operating system permissions prevent files from being viewed or edited by unauthorized logins. Permissions can be set any number of ways and can be restored manually through a fairly simple process. Please note that it is very important to follow these steps specifically as failure to do so may result in other issues. On a Mac OS X you can do the following:
1) Make sure the Dropbox desktop application is running
2) Click on the Dropbox icon in your menu bar and then click your profile picture or initials
3) Select 'Preferences'
4) Click on the 'Account' tab
5) Hold down the 'Option/Alt' key
6) Click on the 'Fix Permissions' button (make sure you're still holding down the 'Option' key.
This will allow Dropbox access to your home folder, Dropbox folder, and any required settings.
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I have the same issue. Your steps require Dropbox to remain open, but the error dialog is modal and prevents access to the Preferences UI. When you close the error dialog, the entire application closes.
I have this issue too. The client will not launch
Could start Dropbox: https://www.evernote.com/l/AEH6CprAHDpIFoRW4_vdVregUExGriG4gB0It is trying to launch from the path: '/Users/tRavI/Dropbox'
However the path it should be launching from is '/Users/tRavIs/Dropbox'
There needs to be an "s" in the "tRavIs" directory. How do I update this path?Thanks Kathy - worked for me!
i followed Kaz' second suggestion and unfortunately after i chose "Make me the owner" i got over a hundred error messages about faulty extensions/permissions during the processing period (which was many minutes in duration). i tried repairing the permissions in disk utility after restarting holding command-r, the computer froze during the process, and now it won't boot up at all.
Ed - your solution is not useful for clients who "couldn't start Dropbox", as per the title of this thread.
I've encountered this error after changing the user folder shortname (and account names) of an OS X user. Now unable to launch Dropbox or reinstall as it repeatedly tries to follow a folder path that no longer exists.
I've cleaned all the preference files I could find, can you please let me know where to find the file that the Dropbox app is referencing for the bad folder path so I can simply remove it and reinstall.
- Rich
Super User II
I've encountered this error after changing the user folder shortname (and account names) of an OS X user. Now unable to launch Dropbox or reinstall as it repeatedly tries to follow a folder path that no longer exists.
See here:
Thanks Rich!
This recently happened to me and I used Kathy T.'s post instructions from Feb 19 and they worked perfectly! Thank you
Guys, I tried both the suggestions, however Kathy T's version was spot on! Resolved the problem. Superb.You guys are awesome. Thanks
I had the same error message and only got it to work after following the instructions below. Seemed a bit elaborate but worked like a treat - had to do it for all the ks folders (guess it had to do with the numerous attempts to reinstall dropbox)
https://help.dropbox.com/desktop-web/cant-establish-secure-connection
