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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.

Walter's avatar
Walter
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
3 years ago

Hey Pimlico, sorry to hear about this.

 

Could you clarify the exact steps you take to do this and send us a screenshot of the error you're getting?

 

Have you tried reinstalling the desktop app at all?

  • Pimlico's avatar
    Pimlico
    Explorer | Level 3
    3 years ago

    Thank you for responding, Walter.

     

    After a disastrous loss of apps containing documents (Word, Scrivener, Dropbox), as well as their contents, I was relieved to see that although  Dropbox had deleted everything too, it mercifully gave me the chance to restore. I've tried several times to download Dropbox for my iMac and MacBook but it won't install and, as a result, can't access the documents. Any suggestions gratefully received.

     

    Barry

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

      Are you getting any specific errors or is the installer not running at all, Barry?

       

      Could you try using the offline installer from this page and let me know how it goes?

       

      PS: If you happen to be on the Basic plan, make sure that you have no more than 3 devices connected to your account as you might be hitting the device limit.

      • Pimlico's avatar
        Pimlico
        Explorer | Level 3
        3 years ago

        Thank you Walter. First, I had a couple of tries to install this morning and the second one worked!

        I did try the offline downloader but promptly got the message that it was inappropriate.

        I've no idea why it's worked today and not yesterday.

         

        All files recovered, save, crucially, for those in the last month (a big disappointment). However, it means I have earlier drafts of my writing to work from. 

         

        I'm going to go with this and write the 48 hours of concern off to experience.

        Many thanks again for your help

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