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Dropbox app stuck syncing after Mac update

After following the process to enable the "new" dropbox, files (709.4 MB) seem to have been moved as expected to ~/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox. However, after updating one of the files...Dropbox continues to continuously declare it to be "syncing!" No sync errors stated. Quitting the app and restarting did nothing to correct the problem. Logging out and back in again caused the continuous syncing to stop. However after another file update, the continuous syncing started again. How do I return to the previous Dropbox implementation because I cannot continue to deal with an app that does not function properly.

MacOS 12.6.2 (Dropbox V163.4.5456).

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Comments

Nancy

Hi @Jeff A.11, and I’m sorry to hear about this.

Can you please send me a screenshot of the exact syncing status of your Dropbox app?

Do you see a number of files trying to sync and if yes, does that number appear to change or does it remain the same?

Keep me posted!

Jeff A.11

Nancy,

Thanks for the prompt reply...

Am currently unable to provide a screenshot, as I have successfully completely removed my currently-installed Dropbox version (V163.4.5456) version (and wrote a short script to remove everything that I discovered gets installed with a Dropbox installation), then reinstalled the same version BUT DID NOT proceed with the update that moves the "Dropbox" folder from ~/Dropbox to ~/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox. And everything is now syncing normally...taking only a few seconds to synchronize a single changed file and is no longer "hanging!"

Once I feel up to the "challenge" allowing Dropbox to move the folder to the new MacOS "secure location" and the syncing issue (presumably) returns, I will most definitely submit a screenshot. But note that I have only 21 total files (contained in four (a couple nested) folders and changing only one of the files resulted in the synchronization "hang!" (ie "sync in progress" showing on finder menu bar Dropbox icon). However "Your files are up to date" continued to show, and no sync errors were being reported. I know, weird...but that's what was happening.

Again, all is fine now.

Jeff A

Hannah

Hey @Jeff A.11, thank you for the update here.

I'm glad to see that the issue has been resolved for now, but if you do come across it again, please let us know.

Thank you!

Miguel Mostafa

the issue has not been resolved. He went back to the older version. I have the exact same issue with the new Mac version of Dropbox. The Syncing... message says just that. It doesn't tell you how many files are missing the synchronization. It's hang up somewhere.

Thanks!

Walter

Hi there @Miguel Mostafa, sorry to hear about this.

Could you let us know how long has the desktop app been stuck at syncing?

If you could also send us a screenshot of the app's exact status and version as shown in your menu bar, I'd appreciate it.

While we're at it, have you rebooted your computer at all lately?

ginodimeo

Seriously regretting the upgrade, syncing and designating files as online/available offline is horribly glitchy and causing me serious headaches with a crushing deadline looming. Anyone else hating this?

Mary Ann

This is really scary. i'm finishing a PhD and I cannot deal with glitches! Are we FORCED to upgrade?

ginodimeo

I'm not sure. I only did it because it said it improved integration with the new OS. If you haven't done it yet – don't!

ginodimeo

It's now pretty much unusable with a crushing deadline looming. As well as completely destroying my internet connection. Great work Dropbox.. How do I go back to the previous version?

Jeff A.11

From what I have (at least so far) been able to determine, the issue I (and apparently others) am experiencing is not related specifically to the Dropbox app version but rather to the so-called upgrade to (as Dropbox puts it) "Dropbox for macOS is now ready. Update Dropbox to use it on the latest version of macOS." As long as that updated process IS NOT FOLLOWED, Dropbox seems to continue to operate properly. (The "update" mentioned moves the location of the local Dropbox folder from ~/Dropbox to ~/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox, after which the constant syncing issue develops.)

In my case, I created a small script that removes all the Dropbox-related files (those I was able to find), after which doing a clean/new Dropbox installation will create a "normal" operating environment (ie. without the Dropbox local folder being moved). My Dropbox version is currently showing as 168.4.4802, and I HAVE NOT elected to to the suggested "Dropbox for macOS" update, and everything is functioning normally, albeit an annoying red flag on the Dropbox Finder menu icon, imploring me to make the problematic upgrade. (But you can select "Get started" at the upgrade prompt, then cancel, and the flag goes away...at least for a while).

I'm not sure if this forum offers a way to contact/message a user directly, to exchange email addresses, but would be happy to (in whatever way might work) send the script to you should you wish to give that "solution" a try.

ginodimeo

That's really kind of you. So I've been tinkering and it seems that there were some issues with certain file types associated with legacy fonts that Dropbox took exception to while syncing, weirdly causing it (and my internet connection) to grind to a near halt. I deleted those files and it seemed to work okay. I'll see how I get now, but if it's still a grind I'll take you up on your offer. Thanks very much!

Jeff A.11

That is an excellent observation, and may very well be the root of this syncing issue. My files were Quicken data files...so perhaps the way Dropbox handles certain file types does not play well with the new "secure" Dropbox folder location. Although both Google Drive and Microsoft's One Drive now use that local storage location as well with no issues.