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Forum Discussion
RobertPatton
4 years agoExplorer | Level 4
macOS Monterey 12 - Couldnt Start Dropbox
bn.BUILD_KEY: Dropbox
bn.VERSION: 131.4.3968
bn.constants.WINDOWS_SHELL_EXT_VERSION: 48
bn.is_frozen: True
machine_id: dd8495f4-eeb6-52f3-a698-4cbb0543dbcf
pid: 3947
ppid: 1
uid: 501
user_info: pwd.struct_passwd(pw_name='robertpatton', pw_passwd='********', pw_uid=501, pw_gid=20, pw_gecos='Robert Patton', pw_dir='/Users/robertpatton', pw_shell='/bin/bash')
effective_user_info: pwd.struct_passwd(pw_name='robertpatton', pw_passwd='********', pw_uid=501, pw_gid=20, pw_gecos='Robert Patton', pw_dir='/Users/robertpatton', pw_shell='/bin/bash')
euid: 501
gid: 20
egid: 20
group_info: grp.struct_group(gr_name='staff', gr_passwd='*', gr_gid=20, gr_mem=['root'])
effective_group_info: grp.struct_group(gr_name='staff', gr_passwd='*', gr_gid=20, gr_mem=['root'])
DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH: None
cwd: '/'
real_path='/'
mode=0o40755 uid=0 gid=0
parent mode=0o40755 uid=0 gid=0
HOME: '/Users/robertpatton'
appdata: '/Users/robertpatton/.dropbox/instance1'
real_path='/Users/robertpatton/.dropbox/instance1'
mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20
parent mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20
dropbox_path: '/Users/robertpatton/Dropbox'
real_path='/Users/robertpatton/Dropbox'
mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20
parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20
sys_executable: '/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/MacOS/Dropbox'
real_path='/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/MacOS/Dropbox'
mode=0o100755 uid=501 gid=20
parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20
trace.__file__: '/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/Resources/python-packages.zip/dropbox/client/ui/common/boot_error.pyc'
real_path='/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/Resources/python-packages.zip/dropbox/client/ui/common/boot_error.pyc'
not found
parent not found
tempdir: '/var/folders/yy/w1nv1hm92x1bn8cmjznvcs780000gn/T'
real_path='/private/var/folders/yy/w1nv1hm92x1bn8cmjznvcs780000gn/T'
mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20
parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 808, in wrapper
File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 6525, in finish_dropbox_boot
File "dropbox/client/message_queue.pyc", line 307, in _wrapped
File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 6052, in _init_components_for_account
File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 5976, in create_sync_engine
File "dropbox/sync_engine_boundary/factory.pyc", line 226, in make_sync_engine
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/sync_engine.pyc", line 280, in __init__
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/modern_client/modern_client.pyc", line 219, in __init__
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/modern_client/base.pyc", line 152, in __init__
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/thin_adapter/in_proc.pyc", line 217, in __init__
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/thin_adapter/in_proc.pyc", line 587, in _init_new_engine_locked
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/thin_client/client.pyc", line 182, in __init__
File "desktop/extensions/nucleus/nucleus_python.pyx", line 76, in nucleus_python.NucleusSyncEngine.__cinit__
nucleus_python.SyncEngineError: "Initializing engine |>> Initializing filesystem |>> Attempting to register icons |>> fchflags syscall: _set_hidden |>> Permission denied"
- E-BHelpful | Level 5
I have the same problem. Installed Monterey this morning and now can't access DropBox. I have already tried
- advanced re-install to no effect. Still got the same error message as everyone else.
- following andreabonoto's suggestions. I no longer get the error message, but nothing happens when I click the DB icon in my dock and the icon in the menu bar is still greyed out. If I click on the menu bar icon, the pop-up shows the squares going around and the word "starting" interminably--it has been doing that since I downloaded Monterey. The dock icon continues to offer "open" (rather than "quit") as an option.
Any suggestions? I am tech savvy enough to have followed the instructions for those two attempts, but just barely, so please respond with the "...for Dummies" version. 🙂 Thanks.
- efferre68Explorer | Level 4
ITALIANS DO IT BETTER!
😄
Grande Andrea!
- andrewmontagueNew member | Level 2
I upgraded to macOS Monterey this morning, and can no longer launch Dropbox.
I restarted the computer. That didn't work.
I then deleted dropbox and did an advanced reinstall following the instructions on this site.
But I'm still getting the following error message:
Couldn't start Dropbox. This is usually because of a permissions error.
Please contact Dropbox support with the following info for help:
bn.BUILD_KEY: Dropboxbn.VERSION: 134.4.4115bn.constants.WINDOWS_SHELL_EXT_VERSION: 51bn.is_frozen: Truemachine_id: 4c99dc44-26be-56c6-9c70-f03726e0a58fpid: 2390ppid: 1uid: 501user_info: pwd.struct_passwd(pw_name='andrew', pw_passwd='********', pw_uid=501, pw_gid=20, pw_gecos='Andrew Montague', pw_dir='/Users/andrew', pw_shell='/bin/zsh')effective_user_info: pwd.struct_passwd(pw_name='andrew', pw_passwd='********', pw_uid=501, pw_gid=20, pw_gecos='Andrew Montague', pw_dir='/Users/andrew', pw_shell='/bin/zsh')euid: 501gid: 20egid: 20group_info: grp.struct_group(gr_name='staff', gr_passwd='*', gr_gid=20, gr_mem=['root', 'andrew', 'sinead', '_nsurlstoraged', '_serialnumberd'])effective_group_info: grp.struct_group(gr_name='staff', gr_passwd='*', gr_gid=20, gr_mem=['root', 'andrew', 'sinead', '_nsurlstoraged', '_serialnumberd'])DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH: Nonecwd: '/'real_path='/'mode=0o40755 uid=0 gid=0parent mode=0o40755 uid=0 gid=0HOME: '/Users/andrew'appdata: '/Users/andrew/.dropbox/instance1'real_path='/Users/andrew/.dropbox/instance1'mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20dropbox_path: '/Users/andrew/Dropbox'real_path='/Users/andrew/Dropbox'mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20sys_executable: '/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/MacOS/Dropbox'real_path='/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/MacOS/Dropbox'mode=0o100755 uid=501 gid=20parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20trace.__file__: '/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/Resources/python-packages.zip/dropbox/client/ui/common/boot_error.pyc'real_path='/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/Resources/python-packages.zip/dropbox/client/ui/common/boot_error.pyc'not foundparent not foundtempdir: '/var/folders/qb/ncc78bts12sg0rjcl10kw1q00000gn/T'real_path='/private/var/folders/qb/ncc78bts12sg0rjcl10kw1q00000gn/T'mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20Traceback (most recent call last):File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 816, in wrapperFile "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 6537, in finish_dropbox_bootFile "dropbox/client/message_queue.pyc", line 313, in _wrappedFile "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 6070, in _init_components_for_accountFile "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 5994, in create_sync_engineFile "dropbox/sync_engine_boundary/factory.pyc", line 226, in make_sync_engineFile "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/sync_engine.pyc", line 278, in __init__File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/modern_client/modern_client.pyc", line 245, in __init__File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/modern_client/base.pyc", line 152, in __init__File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/thin_adapter/in_proc.pyc", line 209, in __init__File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/thin_adapter/in_proc.pyc", line 520, in _init_new_engine_lockedFile "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/thin_client/client.pyc", line 188, in __init__File "desktop/extensions/nucleus/nucleus_python.pyx", line 76, in nucleus_python.NucleusSyncEngine.__cinit__nucleus_python.SyncEngineError: "Initializing engine |>> Initializing filesystem |>> Attempting to register icons |>> fchflags syscall: _set_hidden |>> Permission denied"- RazanyousefExplorer | Level 4Shsh
- shinbethExperienced | Level 13
Don't believe what support claims guys, Dropbox is NOT compatible with Monterey.
I've tried everything as suggested, somehow managed to make it work for a few moments, but now the app won't start again.
I'm giving up. Bye Dropbox, I'm tired of you not updating your software when new OS come.
- LarwirHelpful | Level 5
Same problem – can't fix it. I've tried everything suggested in this thread, but Dropbox keep refuses to start. I just find it very strange that the Dropbox support says nothing about it here since the first answer to try advanced reinstall (that does not work). Are they working on it, or do they want all Monterey users, today and future, to leave Dropbox? Any news on this issue, anybody who knows?
- LarwirHelpful | Level 5
Sounds great @Megan, I guess you have access to my mail address?
- RobMathewsNew member | Level 2
Hi, Support --
I installed MacOS Monterey. Dropbox worked for a while, but now it won't start.
I saw an older, unresolved thread on a similar topic. Based on suggestions there, I quit DB, removed the app, followed the Advanced Installation instructions, e.g., to remove ~/.dropbox, then downloaded and reinstalled DB; no change. I'll paste the full info from the "Couldn't start Dropbox" popup below, but the important part seems to be at the tail of the log:
nucleus_python.NucleusSyncEngine.__cinit__
nucleus_python.SyncEngineError: "Initializing engine |>> Initializing filesystem |>> Attempting to register icons |>> fchflags syscall: _set_hidden |>> Permission denied"I see that DB re-created ~/.dropbox, so it's not having any obvious permissions problem there. I can't tell what it's trying to do where to register icons, so I can't check permissions for the error it reports.
One more thing: I also run Google Drive app. However, DB and GD are syncing separate, non-overlapping directories: DB syncs ~/Dropbox; GD syncs ~/Pictures and ~/Google Drive
iMac, Monterey 12.0.1
freshly downloaded and advanced-installed dropbox.app
my background: Linux application software, Linux commands, familiar with shells and Linux command-line I/F in MacOS (Terminal)
bn.BUILD_KEY: Dropbox
bn.VERSION: 135.4.4221
bn.constants.WINDOWS_SHELL_EXT_VERSION: 51
bn.is_frozen: True
machine_id: a006ca99-0f98-5726-9038-3f97a8f5be7e
pid: 4029
ppid: 1
uid: 501
user_info: pwd.struct_passwd(pw_name='rob', pw_passwd='********', pw_uid=501, pw_gid=20, pw_gecos='Rob', pw_dir='/Users/rob', pw_shell='/bin/tcsh')
effective_user_info: pwd.struct_passwd(pw_name='rob', pw_passwd='********', pw_uid=501, pw_gid=20, pw_gecos='Rob', pw_dir='/Users/rob', pw_shell='/bin/tcsh')
euid: 501
gid: 20
egid: 20
group_info: grp.struct_group(gr_name='staff', gr_passwd='*', gr_gid=20, gr_mem=['root', '_serialnumberd', '_BGMXPCHelper'])
effective_group_info: grp.struct_group(gr_name='staff', gr_passwd='*', gr_gid=20, gr_mem=['root', '_serialnumberd', '_BGMXPCHelper'])
DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH: None
cwd: '/'
real_path='/'
mode=0o40755 uid=0 gid=0
parent mode=0o40755 uid=0 gid=0
HOME: '/Users/rob'
appdata: '/Users/rob/.dropbox/instance1'
real_path='/Users/rob/.dropbox/instance1'
mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20
parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20
dropbox_path: '/Users/rob/Dropbox'
real_path='/Users/rob/Dropbox'
mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20
parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20
sys_executable: '/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/MacOS/Dropbox'
real_path='/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/MacOS/Dropbox'
mode=0o100755 uid=501 gid=20
parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20
trace.__file__: '/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/Resources/python-packages.zip/dropbox/client/ui/common/boot_error.pyc'
real_path='/Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/Resources/python-packages.zip/dropbox/client/ui/common/boot_error.pyc'
not found
parent not found
tempdir: '/var/folders/st/cnnvt94r8xj6qf001s6s66280000gn/T'
real_path='/private/var/folders/st/cnnvt94r8xj6qf001s6s66280000gn/T'
mode=0o40700 uid=501 gid=20
parent mode=0o40755 uid=501 gid=20
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 822, in wrapper
File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 6574, in finish_dropbox_boot
File "dropbox/client/message_queue.pyc", line 313, in _wrapped
File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 6112, in _init_components_for_account
File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 6036, in create_sync_engine
File "dropbox/sync_engine_boundary/factory.pyc", line 226, in make_sync_engine
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/sync_engine.pyc", line 280, in __init__
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/modern_client/modern_client.pyc", line 248, in __init__
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/modern_client/base.pyc", line 170, in __init__
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/thin_adapter/in_proc.pyc", line 213, in __init__
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/thin_adapter/in_proc.pyc", line 517, in _init_new_engine_locked
File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/thin_client/client.pyc", line 133, in __init__
File "desktop/extensions/nucleus/nucleus_python.pyx", line 76, in nucleus_python.NucleusSyncEngine.__cinit__
nucleus_python.SyncEngineError: "Initializing engine |>> Initializing filesystem |>> Attempting to register icons |>> fchflags syscall: _set_hidden |>> Permission denied" - jsims1Helpful | Level 5
I found the solution that worked for me on the Apple Forum. Hope this helps.
- aboxoflogicNew member | Level 2
Here's the REAL answer
With macOS 10.15 and above, some stricter permissions have been enforced which have probably led to the issue you are experiencing.
To resolve this problem, could you please try the following steps:- Click on the Apple icon in the top left hand corner of your screen
- Select System Preferences...
- Then Security & Privacy
- Select the Privacy tab
- To make changes, you will need to click on the lock icon, and enter your macOS password
- Select Full Disk Access
- Check the box beside Dropbox
- Select Accessibility
- Check the box beside Dropbox
- Now please, attempt to restart the Dropbox desktop app.
- b01dNew member | Level 2
Good afternoon. I have a similar problem. I bought a Mac Pro M1 upgraded to Monterey 12.0.1
Installed DropBox is installed and it starts up perfectly. But sync fails.I followed all the recommendations that I found in this forum. Nothing helps.
- HannahDropbox StaffHey RobertPatton, welcome to the Dropbox Community and happy Monday!
I'd suggest that you try a more advanced reinstall of the Dropbox app, to see if that helps.
Let me know how it goes.- RobertPattonExplorer | Level 4
That did not work and DB still fails to work on MacOS Monterey
- HannahDropbox StaffThanks for the update, Robert.
Are you still getting the exact same error message?
If so, can I reach out to you via email, so we can look into this further?
- Milie98New member | Level 2
Hi everybody,
Since I installed Monterey Mac version, my application Dropbox doesn't work.
I have this message :
"Cannot start Dropbox. A permission error is usually the root cause of this problem. An error could also occur if your user folder is stored on a network share."
Is there a solution pour this ?
Thank you
- E-BHelpful | Level 5
There are a couple of other threads on this already. E.g., https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-installs-integrations/macOS-Monterey-12-Couldnt-Start-Dropbox/m-p/545775/highlight/false#M111121. If you use Monterey as your search term at least one more will come up.
None of the suggestions seemed to work for me, but when I restarted my computer a few hours later, DB worked again. So whatever protocol you try, be sure you restart your computer afterwards, even if it doesn't say to, so the changes take effect. Good luck!
- shinbethExperienced | Level 13
I have the opposite problem, whenever I restart my Mac with Monterey, Dropbox won't start anymore and I have to reinstall again.
I did BatchMod the app (even the installer itself, otherwise it wouldn't even install) to give full access to the app, allowed full access in security settings, etc. pointless eventually.
In 2021 Dropbox still doesn't understand how macOs permissions work, making our lives very difficult...
- vflowerHelpful | Level 5
I ran into the same issue.
bn.BUILD_KEY: Dropbox bn.VERSION: 134.4.4115 bn.constants.WINDOWS_SHELL_EXT_VERSION: 51 bn.is_frozen: True Traceback (most recent call last): File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 816, in wrapper File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 6537, in finish_dropbox_boot File "dropbox/client/message_queue.pyc", line 313, in _wrapped File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 6070, in _init_components_for_account File "dropbox/client/main.pyc", line 5994, in create_sync_engine File "dropbox/sync_engine_boundary/factory.pyc", line 226, in make_sync_engine File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/sync_engine.pyc", line 278, in __init__ File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/modern_client/modern_client.pyc", line 245, in __init__ File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/modern_client/base.pyc", line 152, in __init__ File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/thin_adapter/in_proc.pyc", line 209, in __init__ File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/classic_client/thin_adapter/in_proc.pyc", line 520, in _init_new_engine_locked File "dropbox/sync_engine/nucleus/thin_client/client.pyc", line 188, in __init__ File "desktop/extensions/nucleus/nucleus_python.pyx", line 76, in nucleus_python.NucleusSyncEngine.__cinit__ nucleus_python.SyncEngineError: "Initializing engine |>> Initializing filesystem |>> Attempting to register icons |>> Opening dst |>> open syscall |>> Permission denied"
I tried all the solutions folks have posted but nothing seem to work. Dropbox has access to full disk, I have re-installed, rebooted several times, deleted the dropbox folder in application settings... Nothing seem to want to work.
This is on an iMac 2017 running Monterey 12.0.1. I performed a clean install of the OS today and then used migration assistant to bring my user folder over.
Dropbox works fine for the other user on this iMac (also created via migration assistant).
- StellarCore47Explorer | Level 4
I posted the same error message to the most recent post " Dropbox won't start after macOS Monterey update"
StellarCore47
- JayDropbox Staff
Hi everyone, with the macOS Monterey update (macOS 12.0 and above), some stricter permissions have been enforced by Apple which have probably led to the issue you are experiencing.
The following steps should help to resolve this behavior:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left hand corner of your screen
- Select "System Preferences..."
- Then "Security & Privacy"
- Select the Privacy tab
- Select "Full Disk Access"
- Under Dropbox, ensure that all the folders are checked. (To make changes, you will need to click on the lock icon, and enter your macOS password)
- Repeat these steps under 'Files and Folders' and 'Accessibility'
- Once you've completed this, please attempt to restart the Dropbox desktop app
If need be, a reboot of the Mac itself would also help. - shinbethExperienced | Level 13
DropboxInstaller.dmg doesn't even work on Monterey, it won't launch.
I've tried BatchMod, CodeSigner, DeQuarantine, and the usual sudo Terminal commands on it and still nothing, it won't launch even right clicking etc.
There's a real issue of Dropbox (not) running under Monterey environment.
- andreabonatoHelpful | Level 6
Do you try this?
"This is a step by step sequences....!
1) by Activity Monitor (you find it in Launchpad-Others-Activity Monitor) search and select all Dropbox items (especially Dropbox Finder Extension) and stop by the :cross_mark_button: or X bottom on the top of the app;
2) by Force Quit (in the System Menu Screenshot 2021-10-29 at 09.50.19.png) refresh or relaunch Finder;
3) in System Preference-Security and Privacy-Full Disk Access (after clicking lock to make change in the bottom left corner), enable Dropbox.App.
4) I think is better to restart computer after that."
Bye.
Andrea B
- JayDropbox Staff
If the previous steps didn't resolve the issue, you can try the following.
1) Stop the Dropbox desktop application (if needed)- Click on the Dropbox icon.
- Choose Quit/Stop/Exit
2) Open your Terminal app (Located at /Applications/Utilities/Terminal)
3) Copy and paste the following lines into the Terminal, one at a time, and press RETURN after each one. PLEASE make sure you copy and paste these commands (don't type them by hand), as getting them wrong could cause some harm. You'll be prompted for your computer user's password (not your Dropbox password) after entering the first command. Keep in mind that the password field in the terminal will remain blank as you type your password. After you type it, just press ENTER. You'll know that these instructions complete normally once the initial line of text (called prompt) comes up again:
sudo chflags -R nouchg ~/Dropbox ~/.dropbox
sudo chown "$USER" "$HOME"
sudo chown -R "$USER" ~/Dropbox ~/.dropbox
sudo chmod -RN ~/.dropbox ~/Dropbox
chmod -R u+rw ~/Dropbox ~/.dropbox
Please note that once the prompt displays, the instruction completed the requested task, and is ready for the next command. If the command returns an error, or does not respond after an hour, you may want to try restarting your computer and try these steps again.
If you see an error after running one of these commands, let us know.
4) Restart Dropbox from Applications
Keep us updated on any progress.DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that these steps include using the Terminal application. You should only try this if you are comfortable using Terminal, as incorrect usage can result in unwanted consequences. If you are not familiar with Terminal or run into any issues or errors, please let us know and we’ll take your case to ticket to troubleshoot directly.
- StellarCore47Explorer | Level 4
Update. Strange twist. Synching does not work (after the initial start) during the continuous operation of Dropbox (macOS 12.1 beta). After I had completed the Security & Privacy protocol Jay (Dropboxer) had listed and then rebooted Dropbox opened and synched previously uploaded files. However, uploading new files from iPadOS 15 to Dropbox worked just fine but the Dropbox on macOS 12.1 beta did not synch these new files. Go figure.
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