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Margie's avatar
Margie
Helpful | Level 5
5 years ago

My desktop app is stuck at syncing and I need help with the buttons to fix hardlinks and permissions

I have the exact same problem as many others with Dropbox sticking with "2+day syncing".  Daphne kindly posted the solution below, but I can't get it to work.  When I hold down the space bar (in windows 10) absolutely nothing happens; I see no options anywhere for "Fix hard links" or "Fix permissions".

 

My assistant has the same problem and gets the same result  We are both on Win10.

 

What am I missing??  Thank you

 

 

If none of your top level folders are showing this icon, then I'd suggest trying the steps below to see if that resolves the "Syncing" status for you:

  1. Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray/menu bar.
  2. Click the profile pic/initials icon in the top right of the window.
  3. Choose "Preferences..."
  4. Go to the "Account" tab.
  5. While holding the Alt+H keys (Windows/Linux) or Option/Alt key (Mac), click "Fix Hardlinks".

If this doesn't resolve the issue, please follow the steps again and instead click "Fix permissions". 

I hope this helps, let me know how it goes!

desktop
sync
  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    5 years ago

    Hi Margie; how are you today?

     

    I'm sorry for the slightly delayed reply; your post was caught by our Spam filter (probably due to its length) and I just moved it back for you. 

     

    Moving on to your concern now, can you please try using the alt+H keys instead of the space button and let me know if this did the trick for you?

     

    Thanks! 

  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    5 years ago

    Hi Margie; how are you today?

     

    I'm sorry for the slightly delayed reply; your post was caught by our Spam filter (probably due to its length) and I just moved it back for you. 

     

    Moving on to your concern now, can you please try using the alt+H keys instead of the space button and let me know if this did the trick for you?

     

    Thanks! 

    • Margie's avatar
      Margie
      Helpful | Level 5
      5 years ago

      Thank you Walter, that worked like a charm.  I did restart the computer, and it too quite a long time to stabilise but now, for the first time in ages, it is "up to date".

       

      Many thanks for the suggestion.

       

      Margie

      • Walter's avatar
        Walter
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        5 years ago

        Thanks for letting me know this worked Margie; I'm glad to hear it's sorted now.

         

        Feel free to give us a nudge if you ever come up with a Dropbox question!

         

        Until then, take care and stay safe! 

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