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Forum Discussion
Trying to delete Dropbox from mac
I am trying to delete Dropbox from my Mac but theres a message saying "The item “Dropbox” can’t be moved to the Trash because some of its plugins are in use." I don't know what to do.
I had the same problem and even after multiple restarts, I couldn't delete the app. What finally worked was right-clicking on the app and selecting "Show Package Contents." I then selected and deleted all of the files listed, including a Plug-ins folder. After I emptied the trash, I clicked on the app again and selected "Move to Trash." It worked perfectly and I was able to remove it and empty the trash again. I hope that helps someone stuck in the same situation.
I had the same problem and even after multiple restarts, I couldn't delete the app. What finally worked was right-clicking on the app and selecting "Show Package Contents." I then selected and deleted all of the files listed, including a Plug-ins folder. After I emptied the trash, I clicked on the app again and selected "Move to Trash." It worked perfectly and I was able to remove it and empty the trash again. I hope that helps someone stuck in the same situation.
YES... thank you. After trying every other suggestions, THIS did it!
- Jane
Dropbox Staff
- Robert S.
Super User alumni
Follow the instructions at https://www.dropbox.com/en/help/41 to uninstall Dropbox from your computer.
Hi Robert S.,
The instructions at help/41 do not address the error message: The item “Dropbox” can’t be moved to the Trash because some of its plugins are in use.
Following the basic directions still results in the same error message. Are you saying we need to follow the 'For our advanced users' directions?
I followed the advanced directions for uninstalling the Dropbox contextual menu, and for removing Dropbox application settings - this all worked as expected. However, after this - when trying to drag/drop the actual Dropbox icon program from the Applications folder to the Trash folder - the same error message results.
Guidance appreciated,
Im having the same issue.. Any ideas?
- Robert S.
Open the Dropbox app and under its setting uncheck enable Finder integration. Then quit the app and try to drag it to the trash.
I cannot say for certain this will work but a few users have reported they had success with this route.
* I would also uncheck "Start Dropbox on system startup", doing this will allow you to log out and back in if the initial uninstall attempt above doesn't work. After the log out and in, you should be able to remove the app with no issue.
Hi, thanks for the tips, I am having the same problem. Robert, that did not do the trick either. Do you have any other suggestions perhaps? Thanks!
Same problem -- The item “Dropbox” can’t be moved to the Trash because some of its extensions are in use.
Thank you Lisa S. That finally did the trick for me :)
Did not work for me after following Liza's advice. Still get
The item “Dropbox” can’t be moved to the Trash because it’s open.
- Walter
Sorry to hear this Recce60!
In order to fix this issue, open the 'Activity Monitor' utility on your computer, normally located under Applications > Utilities, to see if there are any other processes associated with Dropbox that may be preventing Dropbox from being removed from your device.
Once you have launched 'Activity Monitor', if you see any items that refer to Dropbox, or recognize any programs that you may have linked to Dropbox do the following:
- Click on the line that references the process to select it
- Click on the 'X' at the top left corner of the screen. Be careful not to click on the 'X' that closes the window, but the one that will 'Force a process to quit'.
Follow the normal steps to unistall afterwards. You should be ready to go!
Please keep us posted!
Lisa, you are right! That worked, thank goodness!
