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Dropbox app (121.4.4267) opens Finder window (Big Sur 11.3.1)

I'm not panicking, yet.

Turned on Dropbox back up. Sync'd Downloads, Documents and Desktop to dropbox - then read more about the feature.

Decided that I did not want to use it, for reasons unnecessary at this time.

Opened the App, turned off syncing, but too late - all files up on Dropbox, and ghost/locked folder icons on my Mac.

Overnight, auto update to 11.3.1, restarted Mac. Desktop files do not display on desktop, but can be seen in Finder > Desktop.

Now > Dropbox app (121.4.4267) opens Finder window (Big Sur 11.3.1), does not launch the actual App. Therefore I truly cannot turn off the back up, or move my files from Dropbox back to my Mac per https://help.dropbox.com/installs-integrations/sync-uploads/computer-backup > Choose Keep content in folders on this PC/Mac

Tried downloading new version of App, but it's trying to download to my Dropbox, which doesn't have enough room.

Help please, anyone?!

thanks a bunch in advance.

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Accepted answers

Hannah

Hey @pedalgirl, thanks for reaching out!

Did you try getting to the Dropbox application's preferences from the Dropbox icon in your menu bar, to turn off the computer backup feature? What did you see?

Keep me posted!

All comments

Hannah

pedalgirl

Ah, thanks for pointing me there - "syncing paused". But actions would indicate otherwise - all new docs get saved to the Dropbox site, AND on my Mac.

pedalgirl

OK, life is GREAT again, thank you! Found the settings in dropdown menu for turning off the back up, all good. Oh my, thank you!

Hannah

Haha, perfect! Always happy to hear that life is great!

If you ever need anything else, make sure to let us know.

Have a wonderful weekend!

lfin1

i i am having same issue. Dropbox will not even launch properly so no app, no sycning, not opening long enough for me to change anything. Spoke to apple, reinstalled the entire OS again and still doesn't work. Seriously stuck.

Hannah

Hey @lfin1, thanks for commenting here.

Do you see the Dropbox icon in your menu bar? Can you please hover over it to see the syncing status of the Dropbox application and the version you have installed?

Keep me posted!

pasq

I'm having a similar issue. Dropbox icon is in the Dock. When I click on it, Finder opens, but the Dropbox app does not start (therefore, only the Finder menu options are available). There are things I need from the DropBox app that Finder does not do. I don't see a way to fix. Hoping someone has seen this before?

Hannah

Hey @pasq, thanks for the nudge here!

Do you see the small Dropbox icon in your computer's menu bar at the top of your screen?

If not, can you reinstall the application, to see if you'll get the Dropbox menu options back?

Let me know how it goes.

MartaMG

Hi!

I had the same problem (but using 121.4.4265 in Big Sur 11.5.1). I finded the solution in a very easy but "hidden" way.

In the upper bar Dopbox icon, you have to click the round icon with your name to set configuration, and then, "Preferences". In "General", just choose open the folders in the app instead of in the Finder.

It worked for me!

pasq

Hi Hannah,

Yes, I do have the Dropbox icon. I've clicked on it. If I click on the file icon, it brings up the Dropbox folders, but uses the Finder app:

Screen Shot 2021-07-29 at 11.51.07 AM.png

pasq

Hi MartaMG,

That worked for me too.

Thank you!

pasq

EASem

I COULD KISS YOU!! It has bugged me endlessly that I've been stuck with the finder window instead of the app. 3 clicks and it's back!!

colton_BDB

Thank you so much Marta!

I was beginning to wonder if anyone was actually going to address how to open the app instead of the Finder window. Great to know we can access all options from the icon in the menu bar, but still couldn't figure out the Finder issue without your help!

Dbox debating

Hey MartaMG, I encountered the same problem and your method worked! 😆

MilliG

Thank you MartaMG!! That worked for me. This issue has been driving me crazy for a few weeks now & I couldn't quickly get to my "favorites". Now they're back 🙂 🙂 🙂

Mechita52

I am having the same problem.

But I am afraid to reinstall Dropbox and loose the files on my computer that are in the DROPBOX folder.

The issue is that:

1.- desktop application that used to sync disappeared, it is not anywhere on the taskbar (I have looked according to all instructions)

2.- Files do not sync

3.- no sync option on any Dropbox file when I right-click on the folder ( I have the version that permits sync)

4.-I realized it is not syncing after one week, so there are files in the DROPBOX folder ON MY COMPUTER that have not been uploaded or synced. I DO NOT KNOW WHICH AND HOW MANY.

Please help me get the sync working again and not loose the NEW files.

pasq

I'm not sure if this will help, but try launching Dropbox using the Dropbox icon - sounds like it will come up in Finder.

Then, click Dropbox > Preferences > General tab and, where you see Finder in the dropdown, select Dropbox desktop app.

Best to you

slam jam

I think I may have found the solution to this.... If you go onto your dropbox profile in a web browser and click on your icon... go to settings and in the security section unlink your laptop. When I did this I was able to sign back in on my laptop and it automatically opened the app again.

lexig

Hi!

I'm having the same issue but on Windows. Any idea how to fix it? I finally was able to find dropbox preferences but I don't see that option under the "General" tab.

Madc18

Hi, I am having the same issue and it's very irritating.

I want to open the Desktop app but it opens on Finder.

The preferences on the menu bar are not helping.

Tried logging in and out and still nothing.

This is very frustrating!

Worst of all no email, chat, or phone number for customer service.

Screen Shot 2022-01-22 at 6.24.19 PM.png

robhfs

same issue here dropbox app opens finder not the actual dropbox app, nothing previously mentioned worked, installed and reinstalled dropbox, sync is working fine, no options under "General". trying to use the dropbox app because the finder search bar doesn't seem to see anything in dropbox, empty search results even when I can see the file in a separate window.

Screenshot 2022-01-27 at 18.05.55.png

Inis C.

Same issue here running Catalina and DB 141.4. Opens DB folder in Finder, but doesn't open app. Now useful option in DB menu / General. Fix it, Dropbox.

Mark

@Inis C. - this is an intentional thing by Dropbox. Sadly.