2025 sparked some incredible conversations across our community 👩💻. Discover the highlights and see what’s ahead in 2026.
Forum Discussion
Solved
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.
30 Replies
Replies have been turned off for this discussion
I had trouble getting Dropbox to start on the PC, apparently because of permissions error. I am using Windows 10.
Solution is to install Dropbox on the PC from the download, then open File explorer and locate the Dropbox icon i.e. in C:/Prog files(x86)/Dropbox/Client
The right click on the Dropbox icon and select 'Install as administrator'
It then starts no problem, and you just sign in.
I did previously set up the Dropbox facility using the web application.I had the same problem as Michael H. I followed Kaz' suggestions with adding permission and the final portion "Make me the owner" created all kinds of problems...I ended up rebooting and of course it just stayed at the loading screen so I had to recover everything. Thank God for time machine...otherwise I would have been screwed since I use my 17" for design. At this point, my drop box problem is still unresolved and it really sucks...
Had the same problem and tried all steps in above without success. The Mac said that I didn't have permission to do any changes. I think it is because I have migrated files across from a PC and I have seen similar issues before. However, I resolved it by in the home folders information section, instead of changing permissions unlock the folder in the general section at the top showing free space etc. and that worked for me.
- THANK YOU!
I had the same problem. I've already unlink and fix the permission. But the issues still happens.
- Rich
Super User II
The "error" in your screenshot isn't the actual error. It's the test file that contains the error message. Open that file in a text editor and past the content here.
