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Forum Discussion
Couldn’t communicate with a helper application - Desktop client
Hi there,
I've got a large file (100GB+) I'm trying to make available for offline access, but every time I try to get it, a pop-up comes up saying:
Couldn’t communicate with a helper application.
Using latest dropbox on a Mac (with Ventura 13.2.1)
Thanks!
Fede
- Nancy
Dropbox Staff
Hi fedeboraxx! Thanks for posting this on our forum.
Do you mind sending over a screenshot of the exact error message that you see on your end?
Also, if you try to sync a smaller file locally via the desktop app, do you keep receiving the same error?
Let me know when you’ve got more updates.
Smaller files are fine, and here's a screenshot:
Thanks!
Fede
- Nancy
Thanks for the screenshot as well, Fede!
Can you please clarify what’s the app version of the Dropbox app on your computer, as well as its current syncing status?
Hi!
I'm using the desktop account on MacOS Montery 12.7.1. I've reinstalled Dropbox, but still am not synching multiple files, getting the same message, "
couldn’t communicate with a helper application"
How can this be fixed? I've discovered a few months of files that are missing/only on one computer, but not another.
Walker3
I've just discovered nothing is uploading from my computer to the web-based file folders either. I get a cloud icon with an exclamation point inside it.
Hi,
i was using my dropbox today on hotspot, while working in cafe... and suddenly the app stoped to comunicate with finder... dropbox panel is stuck on syncing, but nothing is happening, when i click on any file in the panel – i see black "popup" with the word opening at the bottom of DB panel (never seen it before)... and nothing happen. and when i try to download any file, its imediately stuck and then there jups finder popup — couldn’t communicate with a helper application. I cannot se new files added by someone else, an when i try to upload new file in any folder – its stuck with cloud icon.
Tried to restart computer, restart drobox — both couple of times. I tried fix dropbox permissions, doesnt help either.
I paused sync in the panel and than, when i click on any file in the activity panel, it opens in finder as usual. But when i go back online, it stops working.
I have Macbook pro M16, OS ventura 13,4 and dropbox v186.4.6207.
- Hannah
Thanks for letting us know about this, luk3h.
Can you check that you have given Dropbox full disk access as well?
Hi Fede,
As you may have read, I've been having the exact same issue. I am a regular user, I am NOT a member of the Dropbox team but being in the same spot you are I would suggest you try the following:
1.- Check if your computer is giving Dropbox "Full disk access" (System settings > Privacy & Security > Full disk access)
2.- Restart Dropbox
3.- If this does not solve the issue, then I suggest you contact the Dropbox Support team.
In the meantime, once you've given Dropbox full disk access, you can try waiting and clicking the cloud because (in my case at least) the issue seems to happen randomly (see my prior exchanges with Walter, a Community moderator, for more clarity). It's very frustrating but I am able to download a file or two every few hours. It's not a fix, definitely, but it's a workaround- until there's a definitive answer from the Support team.
Hope it helps!
Regards.
