Dropbox won't start after Windows SSD clone: SyncEngineError

Question

Hi,

I recently moved my existing Windows installation to a new PC by cloning my Windows SSD. Windows boots normally on the new PC and my files are accessible.

Dropbox, however, will not start.

I can open my existing Dropbox folder normally in Windows Explorer, and my files are still there. I can also see the Dropbox Service running in Task Manager.

Dropbox version: 269.4.4231

The relevant error in the log is:

nucleus_python.SyncEngineError: "Initializing engine |>> Initializing platform |>> CF sync root setup |>> CF connect sync root |>> FSErrorCode::Unknown (The operation is only supported on files under a cloud sync root)"

Would uninstalling and reinstalling Dropbox fix this issue?

Is there a way to repair the Dropbox installation without uninstalling/reinstalling it?

If I do need to uninstall and reinstall, is there anything special I should do to make sure Dropbox reconnects to my existing folder rather than creating a new folder and downloading everything again?

Thanks

Mark · Accepted Answer

Dropbox usually doesnt work after cloning.

A reinstall should fix it - without breaking all of the directories etc.

Just redownload and run from www.dropbox.com/downloading.

Jay · Accepted Answer

Hi @chrisRyan, thanks for posting!

As @Mark suggested, your can try reinstalling the Dropbox desktop application.

However, if you try using the advanced reinstallation steps, then you can select the existing Dropbox folder in the advanced settings on step 11.

Keep me updated with any progress!