Dropbox Not Syncing in Ubuntu Fix and Complete Guide

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If you're experiencing issues with Dropbox not syncing in Ubuntu, it's likely due to a misconfigured daemon or a faulty installation.

First, ensure that the Dropbox daemon is running. According to the article, "To check if the daemon is running, open a terminal and type 'dropbox status'." If it's not running, start it by typing 'dropbox start'.

The Dropbox client may also need to be reinstalled. The article suggests, "Try uninstalling and reinstalling the Dropbox client to resolve the issue." This can be done by opening a terminal and typing 'sudo apt-get purge dropbox' followed by 'sudo apt-get install dropbox'.

Troubleshooting

If you're experiencing issues with Dropbox not syncing on Ubuntu, start by checking if the problem is specific to your account or a general issue with the service.

If you're having trouble syncing files, try checking the Dropbox app's status on the Dropbox website. According to recent discussions, some users have reported issues with the Dropbox app getting stuck syncing files.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Fix Dropbox Sync Issues - Not Syncing and Other Issues

To troubleshoot syncing issues, check if your files are visible in the file explorer on another laptop. John C. reported that he installed Dropbox on another laptop but couldn't see his files in the file explorer.

If you're having trouble uploading files due to your account type, be aware that Basic accounts may have limitations. MelJackson mentioned that they were added to a shared folder but couldn't upload files because they have a Basic account.

If you're experiencing issues with previewing or downloading specific file types, like dc2 files, check the Dropbox website for any known issues. direfires23 reported that they couldn't preview or download a dc2 file from the website.

To avoid conflicted copies when editing files, make sure that all users involved have the latest version of the file. CFGtech mentioned that they edit their Excel file, but others don't see their updates and a conflicted copy is generated instead.

Here are some common issues and possible solutions:

Solutions

Credit: youtube.com, Ubuntu: Dropbox does not sync on ubuntu 14.04 (4 Solutions!!)

If you're experiencing issues with Dropbox not syncing on Ubuntu, there are several solutions you can try.

One simple solution is to move your Dropbox folder to an unencrypted ext4 filesystem. This is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps.

Alternatively, you can move your Dropbox folder to a LUKS encrypted filesystem. This option is recommended for those who prioritize security and have some Linux experience.

If you're using a different filesystem, you'll need to create a new partition and encrypt it with LUKS.

To troubleshoot the issue, you can try running the command `ls -ld /home/your_username/.ecryptfs` to see if your home folder is encrypted with ecryptfs.

To fix the issue, you can try the following commands in terminal:

1. `dropbox stop`

2. `dropbox start`

This will restart Dropbox and may resolve the issue.

If you're experiencing issues with file permissions, you can try checking the permissions of your files and folders to see if there are any issues.

Credit: youtube.com, How to FIX: Dropbox will stop syncing in Linux

If none of these solutions work, you can try downloading your folder from Dropbox via the web, deleting it, and then re-creating and uploading it.

Here are some additional troubleshooting steps you can try:

  • Check if there's any correlation between file permissions and those which will/will not upload.
  • Run the command `echo fs.inotify.max_user_watches=100000 | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf; sudo sysctl -p` to fix the issue.
  • Try installing Dropbox from the Ubuntu Software Center instead of the terminal.

Note: Installing Dropbox from the terminal can be a more complicated process and may require uninstalling previous versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dropbox run on Ubuntu?

Yes, Dropbox is compatible with Ubuntu, and you can install it by downloading the appropriate package. For more information on installation and setup, see our Dropbox for Linux guide.

Thomas Goodwin

Lead Writer

Thomas Goodwin is a seasoned writer with a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and business. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex concepts, he has established himself as a trusted voice in the tech industry. Thomas's writing portfolio spans a range of topics, including Azure Virtual Desktop and Cloud Computing Costs.

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