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Forum Discussion
New version of Dropbox completely broken, need to revert to previous version.
I got a new MacBook Air 15". Used Migration Assistant. Something updated Dropbox. Everything is broken.
Specifically:
* The Dropbox.app application when launched does not open the app, but opens a Finder window to the new storage location (with no path to show where that is, but I found out from a web search).
* There is no Dropbox icon in the menu bar.
(Together those two things mean there is NO way to interact with or affect Dropbox's behavior, at all.)
* Because of a successful migration I have a complete copy of my Dropbox director and files in ~/Dropbox (where I want them; I use symbolic links in critical locations like ~/src, ~/bin, ~/.setup, ~/.bash_profile, ~/.bash_aliases, etc. to invoke folders and files stored in ~/Dropbox).
* Because of the CloudStorage location change I am *slowly* accreting a duplicate set of Dropbox files and folders.
(This is a problem, because there's only so much space on the boot volume, but I am NOT going to delete my old files while craziness is affecting the Dropbox app and these replacement files.)
The Dropbox app is 177.3.5380 (I can tell from the Finder).
This is macOS 13.4.
I'm leaving on vacation in a few days and just want my ~/Dropbox folder to properly sync across machines. Please help.
If it's really not possible to get Dropbox to behave like before, simply syncing my Macs, it'll be time to take Google Drive seriously.
Rebooting my Mac put the Dropbox icon in the menu bar finally. It says it's a Beta release. I didn't ask for a Beta release. I don't want a Beta release. Can I please get back to the previous behavior?
If I am forced to live with this abomination for now, would it be feasible / advisable to copy the entire ~/Dropbox folder (either the folder itself or its complete contents) onto (or into) the ~/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox folder? Then let Dropbox sync its contents in this new location rather then re-download them all?
It's more feasible to get rid of Dropbox.
- Jay
Dropbox Staff
Hi larryy, thanks for bringing this to our attention.
As it seems you're now on the newer version of the Dropbox desktop application for Mac OS, it can take some time for the files to migrate into the new CloudStorage location on your machine.
At this point, making any major changes to the app could affect the movement of the files. Have you noticed any difference now? Are the files still in the old folder, or have they moved over?
This will help me to assist further.
Yes, apparently I am on the new version of that app. I do NOT want to be. Is there anything I can do to fix that?
If I allow the complete Dropbox folder sync to the new CloudStorage location while the old Dropbox folder (in ~/) is still present, I'm not sure the system will have enough SSD space to run without problems. So I paused Dropbox from the small menu.
I then made a complete backup of my boot drive, so I have a full, external copy of my original Dropbox folder. And I have turned off automatic app updates. So I feel safer experimenting. Unless you have a way to revert to the original behavior or some better idea, I am going to try to MOVE (not copy) my old Dropbox folder's contents into the new Dropbox folder. Then un-pause Dropbox.
Actually, now that I think about it, if I can find a way to entirely quit and restart Dropbox I'll do that instead of pausing/un-pausing it.
If that works and I can prove the new Dropbox is syncing with my other Macs, both directions, then I just have to start the tedious process of changing a bunch of symbolic links, by hand from the command-line. Did I mention I *hate* this change? Who thought it was a good idea to force my Dropbox documents to be in a HIDDEN folder? No wonder some other bright spark thought launching the Dropbox app should do nothing but open the magic, hidden folder. Sorry, but the new design really sucks.
Question... Do the "advanced reinstall" instructions at the following link still work with the latest rev of Dropbox? It clearly indicates you can specify where the Dropbox folder resides. That would solve my biggest problem, allowing me to point Dropbox at my existing ~/Dropbox folder. Should that work or is the webpage out of sync with reality?
The Dropbox migration to a new location on OSX broke all my links.
"It would have been helpful if you could have migrated these links."
Please see below...
Ticket #22616602: DB: links break
Marcus, Sep 4, 2023, 7:56 AM PDT:
Hello Michael,
Thank you for your quick reply.
If I understand correctly, you have an idea regarding also migrating aliases during the upgrade process to the Dropbox Desktop application for macOS
We're always looking for ways to improve Dropbox. We regularly release new versions of our products with better performance, additional features, and security enhancements.
The best way to have your idea reviewed by our development team is to visit our Share an Idea board. This board allows you to post new ideas or add your vote to existing ideas from other users. Share your ideas here.
We appreciate your contributions with helping us unleash your creative energy.
Thank you for using Dropbox, and have a great day!
Kind regards,
Marcus
Michaelf, Sep 4, 2023, 7:36 AM PDT:Hi Marcus,I understand that"Due to the change of the Dropbox folder location, files that were previously linked in some third-party applications may need to be linked again."However these are not files linked in a third-party application.They are files that were linked through OSX - the Mac's own operating system - that need to be relinked.And there are hundreds of them.It would have been helpful if you could have migrated these links.Just a comment, I will have to do it....thanks,Michael
Marcus, Sep 4, 2023, 2:51 AM PDT:Hello Michael,
Thank you for contacting Dropbox Support. My name is Marcus, and I’ll be more than happy to help you with your issue. So let's get started!
From what I gather by your description, you are having an issue with the Dropbox Desktop application update for macOS.
As part of the Dropbox for macOS on File Provider update, the Dropbox folder must be located in ~/Library/CloudStorage.
Some other things to note about the Dropbox folder location:- Changing the location of your Dropbox folder is no longer supported by macOS.
- Due to the change of the Dropbox folder location, files that were previously linked in some third-party applications may need to be linked again.
- Storing your Dropbox folder on an external drive is no longer supported by macOS.
- Your Dropbox folder in Finder will now be found under Locations and no longer under Favorites.
- Individual folders can be moved from your Dropbox folder to Favorites for quick access.
Learn more about what to expect with Dropbox for macOS on File Provider.
Please keep in mind that I'm only an email away so feel free to reply to this message, letting me know if you have any additional questions, and we can take it from there.
Kind regards,
MarcusI don't even know where to begin with the mess that dropbox is. Dropbox "controlled" my Downloads Folder, and when you look at the paths (whatever they're called) Dropbox was always the first item in the path (eg Dropbox --> imac / or Dropbox --> imac -- Downloads).
In any case, this became so confusing and hard to control MY OWN DOCUMENTS. I unlinked everything, and let my paid membership lapse.
But nope. It still controlled my downloads folder. How? (don't answer, I don't care anymore)
So downloading my content off the dropbox cloud became actually impossible
I literally had to delete my entire download folder and the downloads alias.
Now, I have a new shiny download folder, all my files under my control and ZERO dropbox involvement.
I won't be back. I'll file share some other way. Used to be so simple dropbox, but you turned into a **bleep** show.
Controlling my personal Mac is some big brother **bleep** right there.
