Fixed Startup problem for DropBox v180.4.* : Couldn't start Dropbox: Dropbox Desktop for MacOS

[wgroth2]

Recently run into a major problem where I try to install the new file extension for macOS. I'm on macOS 13.5 ventura. After that, dropbox Desktop for Macos wouldn't start. The key thing to do is to actually do a hard removal like the one based on the documentation. The most important instructions I found were in this link:

(#1) https://help.dropbox.com/installs/uninstall-dropbox

I used the advanced remove instructions.

You may also have to twiddle with permissions. See the solution on this page:

(#2) https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Create-upload-and-share/Dropbox-app-won-t-launch-after-installi...

So, if dropbox takes a long time to start, and you get the error message "Couldn't start Dropbox", then I recommend the following:

1. Remove Dropbox via the application folder.

2. Do the Advanced remove described in link #1.

3. Reinstall the latest version, and relogin.

If you have success, LMK. If I'm wrong, LMK too.

Thanks

br

[Jay]

Hi @wgroth2, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Could you clarify what file extension you're referring to? 

Is this related to the new File Provider API?

This will help me to assist further!

[wgroth2]

Yes, it was the file provider API. I'm on a MacBook Pro M2 16in.

I hope you didn't feel I was "dissing" DropBox. I still love you guys. I just had some trouble with it. Plus, software is complicated.

Also, if you need some beta testing help, or diagnostics, I can easily recreate the problem.

LMK.

BR

[Jay]

Thanks for the details. I'll leave the post open to help other users, and for them to comment on the thread.

[willettjf]

I have followed these steps, and the app still won't open. It provides an error file and says to contact support, but as a free user, I cannot contact support. 😕

[Hannah]

Sorry to hear about this, @willettjf.

Can you send us a screenshot of the error log, so we can take a look?