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How can I fix the error "the application can't be opened" when it does open?

How can I fix the error "the application can't be opened" when it does open?

wellerpond
New member | Level 2
Go to solution

When I open dropbox I get this warning message:

 

The application “Dropbox.app” can’t be opened.

 

But then it opens without a problem. How can I get rid of this message?

 

Thanks!

1 Accepted Solution

Accepted Solutions

Здравко
Legendary | Level 20
Go to solution

Hi @wellerpond,

Seems like you experience some permissions problems. On MAC OS there could be two parallel install, one - system wide and other - per user. From your description could be concluded one of the installs is damaged and the other works. It enough only one of them to work so everything could work as usual. To be sure everything is cleared (so no more tedious messages) you can clear everything and install the Dropbox application again. Stop/quit your application. Execute following commands in terminal (line by line):

rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Dropbox
rm -rf ~/Library/Dropbox
rm -rf /Applications/Dropbox.app
sudo chmod -R a+w /Library/DropboxHelperTools
sudo rm -rf /Library/DropboxHelperTools

Will be ask for your password (sudo). Now everything is like Dropbox has never been installed (exception is your data - they are in safe). Download and install latest stable release again (preferably offline installer).

Hope this helps.

View solution in original post

2 Replies 2

Здравко
Legendary | Level 20
Go to solution

Hi @wellerpond,

Seems like you experience some permissions problems. On MAC OS there could be two parallel install, one - system wide and other - per user. From your description could be concluded one of the installs is damaged and the other works. It enough only one of them to work so everything could work as usual. To be sure everything is cleared (so no more tedious messages) you can clear everything and install the Dropbox application again. Stop/quit your application. Execute following commands in terminal (line by line):

rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Dropbox
rm -rf ~/Library/Dropbox
rm -rf /Applications/Dropbox.app
sudo chmod -R a+w /Library/DropboxHelperTools
sudo rm -rf /Library/DropboxHelperTools

Will be ask for your password (sudo). Now everything is like Dropbox has never been installed (exception is your data - they are in safe). Download and install latest stable release again (preferably offline installer).

Hope this helps.

wellerpond
New member | Level 2
Go to solution

That got it, thank you!

 

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    wellerpond New member | Level 2
  • User avatar
    Здравко Legendary | Level 20
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