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Dropbox is stuck on 'Starting...' on my new Mac computer.

Dropbox is stuck on 'Starting...' on my new Mac computer.

panttaja
Explorer | Level 3

I just used Migration Assistant to move to a new MacBook Air. Clicked on the Dropbox icon in the menu bar - it said Starting. I have uninstalled Dropbox and reinstalled it. When I start up the computer - and click on the icon - it says Starting. So far I have waited for an hour. I used Activity Monitor - and it doesn't look like Dropbox is doing anything. No CPU usage, no Disk usage, no Network.

 

I have tried a couple of different networks (including going in to a Starbucks). The networks were all fine. 

 

I am assuming there is some relic from the original installation that is causing it issues.

 

It is terribly frustrativing that Dropbox just displays this one message - surely they realize something is wrong. I have wasted several hours trying - and retrying - things like uninstall and re-install.

 

Dropbox still works on the original computer - and in the browser. But this unfortunately leaves me with a useless new computer while I wait for Dropbox (the company) to wake up tomorrow and perhaps get back to me.

 

Mac M3 14.6.1. Latest version of Dropbox 206.4.6506

 

 

 

 

6 Replies 6

Nancy
Dropbox Staff

I’m sorry to hear about this, @panttaja. 

 

When reinstalling the Dropbox app, did you also perform an advanced reinstall

 

I could also locate your support ticket in our system and I’ve left our team an internal note on your behalf.

 

Keep me posted for any updates.


Nancy
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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panttaja
Explorer | Level 3

Thank you for the suggestions - the advanced reinstall link you sent is for a windows machine. I am running no a mac. I will dig and see if I can find a similar post for my mac.

panttaja
Explorer | Level 3

I found the Mac tab in this post - I will try these items. Unfortunately Dropbox requires me to download the app each time I do this - and I have uninstalled Dropbox a dozen times in trying to solve this. It is tedious. 

 

Megan
Dropbox Staff

I definitely see where you're coming from @panttaja.

 

In any case, feel free to update us once you try out the advanced reinstall steps. 


Megan
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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panttaja
Explorer | Level 3

Unfortunately another waste of my time. I executed the commands in Terminal on the Mac. I then clicked on the download link. This time is downloaded the .dmg rather than the installer. I double clicked on the .dmg file - and it installed. The date on the file is 1979(???) I then ran the app - and I get to the same error - 'Starting...'.

panttaja
Explorer | Level 3

I added another reboot of the computer - after running the commands in terminal. It looks like it may be working -- I now see my folders and it appears to be starting to sync. We will see. 

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    panttaja Explorer | Level 3
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