Re: Dropbox is not searchable in Mac OS Monterey 12.0.1

Hi bri_guy, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Do the files have a cloud icon next to them, or a green tick?

Are you searching for the file name, or a keyword inside the file itself?

This will help me to assist further!

I'm having the same issue. What's more, my apps on Mac OS 12.6 can't see any DropBox files. I literally can't work right now, as one of my apps uses a database located inside of DropBox. I updated to the new version of DropBox last week, and assume all would be synced by now. I tried selecting "make files available offline" but no change. Help!

I am trying to search for the file name. There is neither a green tick nor a cloud icon as you can see in the attached screenshot. FYI, the Dropbox app IS running and when right-clicking, I see all the expected options: View on Dropbox, Make Available Offline, etc.

Hmmm. For me, if I open DropBox from the DropBox icon, it takes me to the expected folder with all my items. But if I look in Finder for DropBox it doesn't exist, and my apps can't find it to open any files or databases therein. I tried to make a Finder hotlink in the Finder sidebar to the DropBox folder that opened from the icon, but no dice. Hope they can help us soon.

Hey bri_guy and vmkirin, thanks for the additional info here.

Are you having this issue specifically with Spotlight search?

If so, there are a few reasons you might be experiencing issues with it.

Following the update where the Dropbox folder was moved to ~/Library/CloudStorage , Spotlight sometimes does not re-index the folder until after it is opened for the first time.

Could you try opening the Dropbox folder in Finder, and then allow a little time for indexing to take place before retrying Spotlight search?

Another reason is that the Spotlight index may need to be rebuilt, carry out the steps in this article.

Note: the article mentions the ‘Documents’ folder but you need to use the Dropbox folder instead.

If none of the above steps help, please let me know and we can take another look.

I had a feeling this issue would happen when Dropbox forced me to move the Dropbox folder into the Library folder, and I was right. The Library folder is hidden and not searchable. What were they thinking?

I think all the tech companies think we have good internet access 24/7 and only save to and work from the cloud. Sorry, but there are millions of us stuck with satellite or DSL on copper lines.  Even if we live in a city. Dropbox is my back-up drive. And I'd like to change my answer about the Spotlight fix.  It worked for a day, now Finder can't find anything on Dropbox again. I'm not sure why.  If this doesn't get fixed, I will switch my cloud storage provider. 

I didn't have any issues using Spotlight Search until DropBox's update that changed everything. This fix seems to also fix the issues caused by this update. 

I'll be anxious to see how long the "fix" lasts. If it doesn't keep working (and if DropBox doesn't fix everything), I'll also be moving my business. Have been a customer for over 10 years. Hopefully, DropBox values loyalty. 

This "fix" doesn't work for PDF files, perhaps others, too. The hope vanished quickly. 

Hey FemmeFromage and DrAJP, are you still having issues after rebuilding the Spotlight index?

Is your computer also on the latest version of macOS?

Yes. & Of course. 

I was on the most up-to-date version of Monterey.  I just updated to Ventura, and now it seems to be working. 

Hey DrAJP, could you confirm your device's exact OS version for us please? 

13.2.1 (22D68)

v170.4.5895 

Again, ALL of the issues I am having have to do with how Dropbox has changed its software. 

I have also voiced my issues here https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Create-upload-and-share/Files-automatically-shifting-to-cloud-only/td-p/669203 and on Twitter. Twitter is full of comments from others with the same complaints. Spotlight, Finder, etc should all work with ease. 

Thanks,

Dr Andrew Joseph Pegoda

Thanks, DrAJP. 

In that case, can we please send you an email, to investigate further?

Please do. My email is on file with my account. Ty. 

Thanks DrAJP, you've got mail!

Thanks! Just replied.