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Dropbox app on MacOS trying to sync with a deleted file.

I deleted some files remotely through browser login, and now MacOS dropbox app keep trying to sync to this deleted file, halting the syncing process for the app. I can't delete it on dropbox folder (it says it can't delete because waiting to sync). If i use browser to that folder, the file is already deleted (and can't be restored/undeleted). so now dropbox app is stuck in limbo, The Terminal style.

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kvz8

the app should be up to date, i reckon, since i've just solved this (by downloading and reinstalling) just a couple of days ago.

i have rebooted multiple times since i first noticed it (not on this folder), but haven't done so for this folder. the file 02 is uploaded at 3pm, file 03 is at 6pm. and weirdly only file 02 that doesn't have the sync icon. file 04 is uploaded at 9pm and file 12 is uploaded at 1am.

newest update as i'm typing this, all files are now with green checkmark after i re-clicked on the 'root' folder.

no, renaming the files doesn't make difference.

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Megan

Hi @kvz8, let's jump right into this!

How long has the app been stuck for? Normally, it should sync the changes of the deletion, and update accordingly.

Can you clarify the app's current syncing status, please?

Keep me posted!

kvz8

it was like that for about a couple of months or so. so basically dropbox app kept a placeholder file on dropbox folder (a greyed out file), then it kept trying to sync without success (because i have deleted the file from the server). and either it's a bug or a design choice, dropbox wouldn't allow me to delete the greyed out file. even when i quit dropbox app, delete the dropbox app, the folder still retains the greyed out file. cannot delete it, cannot sync it.

i tried to reinstall dropbox, but then it can't even load. deleting the folder completely, and restarting the macbook also prior and after installation also doesn't work. only after i do the advanced reinstall (where you do the sudo thing), then dropbox can reinstate itself on my macbook, establish a new folder, and then sync can run again.

and there's still a little glitch though, files still has the syncing icon even after the file has been fully uploaded. i wish dropbox app still has the sync progress bar on the menu bar dropdown like it used to. i couldn't practically find out sync progress from the menubar icon. had to open dropbox app on my phone and confirm the file is there just to be sure.

Walter

Hey @kvz8, sorry to jump in, but I just wanted to clarify; are you still having issues with syncing or deleting the mentioned folder after the advanced reinstall or not?

When it comes to the syncing icon you mentioned, have you ensured that the app is up to date and not still syncing? If you did and this persists after rebooting your computer, please send us a screenshot so that we can have a visual too.

Thanks!

kvz8

sync is working again after deleting everything and do advanced reinstalling. to clarify, syncing is working again. deleting was working after disconnecting dropbox folder from dropbox app (by quitting and removing dropbox app).

as you can see in this screenshot, the file is successfully uploaded to the server, and even the folder has shown the green checkmark, but the file itself still showing syncing icon

Screenshot 2023-09-11 at 11.53.49 PM.png

Walter

And is the app 'up to date' at the moment @kvz8?

Did you reboot your computer at all since you first noticed this?

Does renaming the files make any difference?

kvz8

the app should be up to date, i reckon, since i've just solved this (by downloading and reinstalling) just a couple of days ago.

newest update as i'm typing this, all files are now with green checkmark after i re-clicked on the 'root' folder.

no, renaming the files doesn't make difference.

Walter

Glad to hear it's sorted now @kvz8

Let us know if anything else comes up in the future!

OranjeNY

I had this issue, and after uninstalling, reinstalling, deleting caches, I found only the following to work:

-I had a shortcut to the file in question on my desktop, the file was deleted a while back, the shortcut was not. Once i deleted the shortcut, the sync completed.

I'm on macOS 15.