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Forum Discussion
Why am I getting a 'Couldn't start Dropbox' permission error?
Here's the message that I get:
Couldn't start Dropbox.
This is usually because of permission error. Storing your home folder on a network share can also cause an error.
This often happens with users who may have migrated old data and settings from another Mac to their current computer.
Operating system permissions prevent files from being viewed or edited by unauthorized logins. Permissions can be set any number of ways and can be restored manually through a fairly simple process. Please note that it is very important to follow these steps specifically as failure to do so may result in other issues. On a Mac OS X you can do the following:
1) Make sure the Dropbox desktop application is running
2) Click on the Dropbox icon in your menu bar and then click your profile picture or initials
3) Select 'Preferences'
4) Click on the 'Account' tab
5) Hold down the 'Option/Alt' key
6) Click on the 'Fix Permissions' button (make sure you're still holding down the 'Option' key.
This will allow Dropbox access to your home folder, Dropbox folder, and any required settings.
i followed Kaz' second suggestion and unfortunately after i chose "Make me the owner" i got over a hundred error messages about faulty extensions/permissions during the processing period (which was many minutes in duration). i tried repairing the permissions in disk utility after restarting holding command-r, the computer froze during the process, and now it won't boot up at all.
This recently happened to me and I used Kathy T.'s post instructions from Feb 19 and they worked perfectly! Thank you
I had the same error message and only got it to work after following the instructions below. Seemed a bit elaborate but worked like a treat - had to do it for all the ks folders (guess it had to do with the numerous attempts to reinstall dropbox)
https://help.dropbox.com/desktop-web/cant-establish-secure-connection
Dear all,
same symptoms ... but not of the remedies suggested by Katharine, Kathy and Kaz worked for me.
Here's the background of what happened :
In order to switch computers from a Macbook to a Macbook Pro, I backed up all my system via time capsule and restore it on the new computer. All data got imported correctly, most things work but some service do not, mainly the cloud ones (Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud). I run El Capitan on both computers.
Any new suggestions ?
thanks,
Eric
Instructions were perfect, but unfortunately, it still didn't work. And advice? I thank you.
Same here. MacBook air died. Apparently it did not like coffee like I do. :( MacBook Pro replaced it but no matter what I try I get the same error.
I had trouble getting Dropbox to start on the PC, apparently because of permissions error. I am using Windows 10.
Solution is to install Dropbox on the PC from the download, then open File explorer and locate the Dropbox icon i.e. in C:/Prog files(x86)/Dropbox/Client
The right click on the Dropbox icon and select 'Install as administrator'
It then starts no problem, and you just sign in.
I did previously set up the Dropbox facility using the web application.I had the same problem as Michael H. I followed Kaz' suggestions with adding permission and the final portion "Make me the owner" created all kinds of problems...I ended up rebooting and of course it just stayed at the loading screen so I had to recover everything. Thank God for time machine...otherwise I would have been screwed since I use my 17" for design. At this point, my drop box problem is still unresolved and it really sucks...
