Status says files syncing, but the number never changes

[junker37]

I have Dropbox running on three computers that are all running ubuntu 18.04.  Two of the three computers are up to date, however, one is stuck syncing.  The status looks like so:
Syncing 38,406 files • 4 days
Downloading 38,406 files (0.6 KB/sec, 4 days)
It has been stuck like that for hours.  My internet connection is working as expected for everything else.

I've rebooted the computer multiple times and restarted Dropbox as well.  Nothing will update the status.  I don't see any network traffic.

Is there some way I can view the logs in ~/.dropbox/logs?

[Lusil]

Hey @junker37, sorry to hear you're having trouble with syncing your files. 

To have a bit more of an in depth investigation on this, I've sent you a ticket to the email associated with your Community profile. 

When you have the chance, please check your email for my message and we'll take it from there. 

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

[Здравко]

Hi @junker37,

There is something you can check for. Typical reason for such behaviour is restricted access to some file(s) and/or directory(ies). Check that every entry (file/directory) in your Dropbox directory is owned by you and you have appropriate read and write permissions.

Hope this gives some directions.

[Daphne]

Hey there @junker37,

Just wanted to follow up here and see if your issue you were facing was resolved? If so, could you please share the steps needed to do so?

We'll be looking forward to your update - thanks!

[junker37]

It was file owner/permissions some file(s), but they were tough to locate because the log didn't mention which file(sl were the problem. I'm also not sure why Dropbox doesn't continue to process other files when it encounters one it can't.

[Daphne]

Thanks for updating us here @junker37!

I'm sure this will be helpful for others who might have the same issue.

As for why the sync didn't proceed around these files, it's most likely that the permissions caused the app to get stuck trying to sync the content continuously. That being said, I'll make sure to pass along your comments to our team regarding this, we always appreciate feedback!

Have a great day - thanks!

[CF4044]

I also have this problem but I don;t know which file is causing it to get stuck.

Is there some way I can find which is the file that is causing the problem, so that I can change the permissions, remove it or whatever is needed?

Please update the software so that it can:

1. Indicate which file/s cause the problem

2. Have an option to skip such files and move ahead with the other files rather than just getting stuck.

[Здравко]

Hi @CF4044,

One way to find out some troublesome files/folders is usage of something like following:

find ~/Dropbox ! \( -user "$(id -un)" -and -perm -u+rw \) -and -exec ls -ld {} \;

On the resulting list you will be able see who is the corresponding file/folder owner and the permission assigned, so will be able correct them (whatever needed - using "chown" and/or "chmod"). Change "~/Dropbox" to actual place, if got moved and resides on a place other than the default.

Hope this helps.