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Forum Discussion

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

'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.

Laurie Solle's avatar
Laurie Solle
Explorer | Level 4

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

        Thank you for sending the instructions.

        However, I am still stuck.

        When I open my Dropbox via the icon in my dock, it seems I get the "online" version, and not the app.

        I searched for the App on my computer through Finder, but it doesn't come up.

        So I tried to reinstall it.  I still cannot find the Dropbox App on my computer to follow the steps to disable the computer backup.

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