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Forum Discussion

Jeremybenhamou's avatar
Jeremybenhamou
Explorer | Level 4
3 years ago

Impossible to access my files (documents, downloads and desktop) on Mac because of Dropbox sync

Hello,    In 2020, I worked for a company and I had to download Dropbox on my computer. Since 1 week, I encountered a big issue with my Mac since I can no longer access all my files. For example,...
Account Access and Security
Desktop
Dropbox Backup
Error Messages
Mac OS
ukpoppet's avatar
ukpoppet
Explorer | Level 3

Hello -
I've noticed that I can no longer access my desktop folder on my MacBook Air 2020 (running Ventura).
It shows as an alias and shows the folder as empty (which it certainly isn't) and when I try to view my Desktop from the sidebar of a Finder window, I get this error:

 

"The folder “Desktop” can’t be opened because you don’t have permission to see its contents."

When I click on "get info" it lists the original location as:

/Users/[my name]/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox/My Mac (MacBook-Pro)/Desktop

 

I've seen posts suggesting I change the permissions to give myself permission to access this folder but in "Get Info" I don't see a lock icon, or anywhere where I can change permissions. 

 

What do I do to fix this? 

 

Thanks so much.

Megan's avatar
Megan
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
2 years ago

Hi ukpoppet, welcome to our Community! 

 

It sounds like an odd situation there. I did my research, and found these steps on Apple's side, that tell you how to change permissions for the path.

 

Can you give this one a go, and let me know how it goes? 

 

Keep me posted!

  • ukpoppet's avatar
    ukpoppet
    Explorer | Level 3
    2 years ago

    Thanks Megan.


    The problem is, when I open "Get Info", there is no "Sharing and Permissions" arrow / section.

    Any ideas what else I can try?

     

    Jamie

    • Megan's avatar
      Megan
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
      2 years ago

      Hi ukpoppet, happy Monday! 

       

      Can you send me a screenshot of what you see on your end, please? 

      • ukpoppet's avatar
        ukpoppet
        Explorer | Level 3
        2 years ago

        Hi Megan!

        I managed to fix it by finding the source of the original folder from the Alias.

        And *that* folder allowed me to change permissions. 

        Thanks for your help!

        Jamie

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