Re: Dropbox app couldn't start on iMac following user Home folder name change.
I had to change my user folder name. Dropbox will now not load. I have tried deleting Dropbox and all associated files and reinstalling from a fresh download. Attached is the error message and the log. After reading the log, I added a blank "steven*****" folder in my Users folder and now it loads. I would like to delete that blank folder.
Please Help
(Edited by moderator: Information removed per Dropbox Community Guidelines for protecting personally identifiable information.)
Accepted Solutions
Hi @SteveC-PeoriaAZ,
Thanks for getting in touch!
To fix that error with the changed user path name, you'll need to save any files and quit any programs accessing files in the Dropbox folder, then open your Terminal app (Command + Space, and search "Terminal" to find it easily), and just copy and paste the a line I'll give you here to get that changed.
Don't type it by hand — paste it into the Terminal and press Enter. You'll be asked for the computer's admin password:
sudo mv ~/.dropbox ~/.Trash/dropbox.old
It's expected for the password field in the terminal to remain blank while you type in your password, but it should see it. After you type the password, press Enter, and when the initial line of text comes up again, you'll know it's completed the task.
You can then restart Dropbox, sign in to the same account, and apply any settings you prefer during the sign in process.
It will take a few moments to reindex the files and sync any pending changes.
If you get an error, or no response after an hour, try restarting your computer and trying this step again. Also, for any further errors, send me the result from the Terminal commands.
Let me know what you find!
Calvin
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support
Did this post help you? If so, please give it a Like below.
Still stuck? Ask me a question!
Tips & Tricks Find new ways to stay in flow or share your tips on how you work smarter with Dropbox.
Hi @SteveC-PeoriaAZ,
Thanks for getting in touch!
To fix that error with the changed user path name, you'll need to save any files and quit any programs accessing files in the Dropbox folder, then open your Terminal app (Command + Space, and search "Terminal" to find it easily), and just copy and paste the a line I'll give you here to get that changed.
Don't type it by hand — paste it into the Terminal and press Enter. You'll be asked for the computer's admin password:
sudo mv ~/.dropbox ~/.Trash/dropbox.old
It's expected for the password field in the terminal to remain blank while you type in your password, but it should see it. After you type the password, press Enter, and when the initial line of text comes up again, you'll know it's completed the task.
You can then restart Dropbox, sign in to the same account, and apply any settings you prefer during the sign in process.
It will take a few moments to reindex the files and sync any pending changes.
If you get an error, or no response after an hour, try restarting your computer and trying this step again. Also, for any further errors, send me the result from the Terminal commands.
Let me know what you find!
Calvin
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support
Did this post help you? If so, please give it a Like below. Still stuck? Ask me a question! Tips & Tricks Find new ways to stay in flow or share your tips on how you work smarter with Dropbox.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for keeping me posted!
It should have done the trick, but if there's anything else, you can get back to me here.
Have a great rest of the week!
Calvin
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support
Did this post help you? If so, please give it a Like below. Still stuck? Ask me a question! Tips & Tricks Find new ways to stay in flow or share your tips on how you work smarter with Dropbox.