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Laurie Solle's avatar
Laurie Solle
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago
Solved

'Desktop' can't be opened because the original item can't be found.

I have a Mac.  I went to use Dropbox to upload some files.  I got a message saying I needed to update. I followed all the prompts that popped up and ended up with Dropbox copying or moving my deskt...
desktop
Quota
Storage space
sync
  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    4 years ago

    It sounds like you have enabled the computer backup feature. 

    Could you try disabling it using these steps, which will then give you an option to move the file back to their default location.

Jay's avatar
Jay
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
4 years ago
Hi Laurie Solle, thanks for messaging the Community!

Just to clarify, did you enable the computer backup feature?

Are you missing any files, and if so can they be restored from the deleted files page?

This will help me to assist further!
Laurie Solle's avatar
Laurie Solle
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago

Sadly, I don't know what I did or didn't do concerning the "computer backup" feature.
I simply followed the prompts that came up.  I did see a notice that said I might see my desktop moving around, but that it would look normal again after the download finished. 

 

When I first looked at the Dropbox App via the icon on my dock, I think I saw "Desktop, Downloads, and Documents" in there.  After changing Preferences to use Finder, my app icon now opens to the internet version and I don't see the App contents any longer.

 

I have no idea if I am missing files.  I wanted to upload some things from my Desktop as attachments and I got the message that I mentioned in the subject heading.  I feel like I've been tricked.

  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    4 years ago

    It sounds like you have enabled the computer backup feature. 

    Could you try disabling it using these steps, which will then give you an option to move the file back to their default location.

    • Laurie Solle's avatar
      Laurie Solle
      Explorer | Level 4
      4 years ago

      "Could you try disabling it using these steps, which will then give you an option to move the file back to their default location."

      Where are the steps that you speak of??

      • Jay's avatar
        Jay
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        4 years ago
        My apologies, the link was in my previous post, from here you should see how to disable the computer backup feature.

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