I'm trying to get Dropbox running on a new macBook. I installed the new desktop app and walked through the installation steps. After doing this it starts indexing infinite (it feels like this after 3 days). Some more information: * I have more than 500.000 files on my account * I choose selective sync when installing Dropbox * Even when I choose a folder of 7MB using selective sync it keeps indexing * Even when I choose a folder of 7MB using selective sync it says it is not possible to save the files offline * I tried installing Dropbox with a different account (with no files in it) this works perfectly * I tried installing using an older desktop app (v160), no luck * Dropbox desktop app has full access to the HD * Reinstalling the app, restarting or logging in and out doesn't fix the problem My system: * MacBook Pro 14inch 2023, Apple M2 Pro * OSX 13.3 (Ventura) * Dropbox app: v177.4.5399

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Infinite indexing after clean install new mac

I'm trying to get Dropbox running on a new macBook. I installed the new desktop app and walked through the installation steps. After doing this it starts indexing infinite (it feels like this after 3 days). Some more information:

I have more than 500.000 files on my account
I choose selective sync when installing Dropbox
Even when I choose a folder of 7MB using selective sync it keeps indexing
Even when I choose a folder of 7MB using selective sync it says it is not possible to save the files offline
I tried installing Dropbox with a different account (with no files in it) this works perfectly
I tried installing using an older desktop app (v160), no luck
Dropbox desktop app has full access to the HD
Reinstalling the app, restarting or logging in and out doesn't fix the problem

My system:

MacBook Pro 14inch 2023, Apple M2 Pro
OSX 13.3 (Ventura)
Dropbox app: v177.4.5399

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Jay

Hi @SVDS, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

How long have you left the computer on and not in standby in order to complete the indexing process?

Just for clarification, you disabled all folders using selective sync, and then only chose a folder with 7 MB and it wouldn't complete syncing?

This will help me to assist further!

SVDS

@Jay As mentioned in the initial question the computer has been on for three days indexing Dropbox. But this is normal when it is indexing the complete Dropbox account.
But yes all folders are disabled except the 7MB folder using selective sync so it shouldn't be indexing the whole Dropbox account but I have the feeling it is.

Jay

Could you attach a screenshot showing the Dropbox folder in Finder, as well as the selective sync settings, while hiding any personal folder names and info?

SVDS

Sorry they are all in dutch

Desktop app window:

Dropbox folder and folder info:

Dropbox install message not enough space to save offline (after selective sync):

Selective sync settings:

Dropbox mention that I have more than 500.000 files on Dropbox (before selective sync)

Megan

Hi @SVDS, what is the available space that you currently have on your hard drive?

I'm asking because of the offline-only message that is available on the screenshot above. Is it possible that you have an "old" Dropbox folder, taking up space in the device?

I know it's a brand new device, but I'm asking just in case.

SVDS

Thanks the empty space is around 400+ GB. So plenty of space to save 7MB .

Good news is I got it working finally, I found one more switch to turn of the standby mode and this did the trick. After a long time waiting syncing the 7MB was done and after that the app works as expected again.

So setting up the mac so it never goes in standby was the solution for me. But there is still some things to fix in the desktop app, most importantly the message that the files could not be saved offline on the device.

Megan

Awesome, at least we tackled one of the issues @SVDS!

As for the message in regards offline files, when exactly does it appear? Is it after you selectively sync a folder, or at a different time?

SVDS

Hi Megan, its during the installation process and its after you choose the selective sync folders.

Megan

It's expected during the installation process, @SVDS.

One more question: does this happen when you access your selective sync content and try to sync some folders back to the device, or remove them from the device?

SVDS

Its expected but it makes no sense; I try to copy 7MB to my HD having storage for 400GB and the app says I don't have enough space that's confusing.

And its during installation so it is always for adding the folder/files back to the HD.