How to read Dropbox Linux application log

[pedy]

I see some weird behavior from the official Dropbox client on my Kubuntu Linux. I prefer to first inspect application log to get a clue of what's going on. I found some folders including binary files in "~/.dropbox/logs". How may I read them?

[Walter]

Hi @pedy, sorry to hear you're having issues with the desktop app on your Linux machine. 

The desktop client's logs are not meant to be read by users and they're only needed by our Support team in some extreme support cases.

That said, can you provide some additional information about the issue you're facing?

For example, what's the desktop app's exact version and status? Can you also describe the weird behavior you mentioned?

This would help us assist further. 

[pedy]

Hi Walter,

I uses Dropbox official client version 147.4.4800 on Kubuntu 20.04. I face two issues:

1. When it runs at startup, it gets stuck at "Starting..." status. The sign next to its icon in taskbar blinks and "watch dropbox status" command shows me that it has stuck in the mentioned status. If I quit it and run it again, it syncs instantly.
2. I have noticeable network transfer with the Dropbox client ("nethogs" shows me that) when its status is "Up to date". At first I assumed that it tries to automatically update itself, but it isn't; and it isn't syncing either.

As you see, I tried to figure out what's going on with the commands and tools; but they were not enough and I was looking for a detailed log.

I'd appreciate any help.

[Walter]

Thanks for the additional details there @pedy - much appreciated!

Can you install the latest stable version from this page and let me know if the issue persists?

If it does, can you see if you can reproduce it in a supported desktop environment? 

[pedy]

Hi @Walter 

I installed the version you provided (148.4.4519), but it wasn't possible for me (time wise) to test in another Linux environment. My current observations are:

- Yes, I still face the issue sometimes. Even now that the version is 149.4.4568.

- From the change in version it seems that the background data transfer which is not syncing, is automatic update of the client. Is that right? How can I disable it?

[Walter]

Hey @pedy - thanks for the updates!

Truth be told, there's already a newer version of the desktop app - you can find it on this page. 

When it comes to your second observation, I'm afraid it's not quite clear. Could you elaborate a bit? What are you trying to accomplish and what's troubling you exactly?