My desktop app is stuck at syncing and I need help with the buttons to fix hardlinks and permissions

[Margie]

I have the exact same problem as many others with Dropbox sticking with "2+day syncing".  Daphne kindly posted the solution below, but I can't get it to work.  When I hold down the space bar (in windows 10) absolutely nothing happens; I see no options anywhere for "Fix hard links" or "Fix permissions".

My assistant has the same problem and gets the same result  We are both on Win10.

What am I missing??  Thank you

If none of your top level folders are showing this icon, then I'd suggest trying the steps below to see if that resolves the "Syncing" status for you:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray/menu bar.
2. Click the profile pic/initials icon in the top right of the window.
3. Choose "Preferences..."
4. Go to the "Account" tab.
5. While holding the Alt+H keys (Windows/Linux) or Option/Alt key (Mac), click "Fix Hardlinks".

If this doesn't resolve the issue, please follow the steps again and instead click "Fix permissions". 

I hope this helps, let me know how it goes!

[Walter · Accepted solution]

Hi @Margie; how are you today?

I'm sorry for the slightly delayed reply; your post was caught by our Spam filter (probably due to its length) and I just moved it back for you. 

Moving on to your concern now, can you please try using the alt+H keys instead of the space button and let me know if this did the trick for you?

Thanks! 

[Margie]

Thank you Walter, that worked like a charm.  I did restart the computer, and it too quite a long time to stabilise but now, for the first time in ages, it is "up to date".

Many thanks for the suggestion.

Margie

[Walter]

Thanks for letting me know this worked Margie; I'm glad to hear it's sorted now.

Feel free to give us a nudge if you ever come up with a Dropbox question!

Until then, take care and stay safe!