I can't update my Mac to File Provider, as the app is stuck syncing 2 files

[bmers]

Hello -

I am trying to update Dropbox on my Mac (Sonoma) to the File Provider version, but it tells me I need to finish syncing files first.  The menubar app has said "Updating 2 files" for months now, and never finishes.  Is there a way to see what files it is currently trying to sync in order to diagnose the problem?

[Nancy]

Welcome to our Community, @bmers! Hope you’re doing well. 

Have you checked your Dropbox app’s Sync history and Activity tabs? 

If you open your Finder > Dropbox folder, do you see any files/folders with a rotating syncing icon?

Let me know what you find.

[bmers]

Hi - thanks for responding.

I have checked both the Sync history and Activity tabs.  When I create a new file, it is synced quickly and appears in both those tabs.  But the bottom of the menu still shows "Updating two files", as it has for months or even longer.

No top-level folders show a rotating sync icon in my Dropbox folder.  I do have a lot of files in that folder, in many subfolders, so I can't tell if there is a file or folder deeper down that is still syncing.  Is there a way to know what files remain un-synced?

[Nancy]

Hmm, I see. Can you quit the Dropbox app as the next step, restart your computer and then relaunch Dropbox, as well? Is the app still stuck syncing those two files? 

Please also make sure that your Dropbox app has full-disk access (by following these steps).

[bmers]

Hello -

I followed these steps - and turned on full disk access.  Still stuck on syncing two files.  Been that way for months.

[Nancy]

Out of curiosity, do you have any third-party apps that are accessing the files within your local Dropbox folder? 

Do you remember when this issue started more or less and if there was a specific update back then, right before you noticed this behavior? 

Finally, I’d like you to right click on your Dropbox folder, click on the option “Get info” and send me a screenshot of the next window you’ll see.

[bmers]

Thanks for responding.  The only other similar app would be Backblaze, which is backup software.

I don't remember when it started, exactly -- but I do know it has been months since it has not been syncing.  

I do have a lot of files in the folder, including some subfolders with thousands of .eml files, some of which may have emoji in the filename.  I have had Dropbox tell me it can't sync those files, but it is not telling me that now.

Attached is that screenshot.  Thanks!

[Walter]

Thanks for the additional information and the screenshots too @bmers 

I can see in your screenshot that the size of your Dropbox folder is still being calculated. Do you know approximately how many files you're syncing locally on your computer? 

Have you ensured that Backblaze is not interfering here by completely closing it for a while as a test? 

You can check your selective sync settings in the app's preferences as well. 

Please keep us posted!

[bmers]

Hi - I disabled Backblaze, and Dropbox is still stuck syncing on two files.  

Is there a command line tool or something that will tell me what files it is trying to sync?

[Walter]

Can you send us a screenshot of the app's current status so that we can have a look too @bmers ?

Have you tried fixing your hard-links and permissions as outlined here?