How to resolve errors installing the new version of Dropbox on a Mac

Under most configurations, the Dropbox desktop application will automatically receive and apply new updates. For Macs, the success of these updates depends on the level of privileges your user has in the system.

Administrators who are running the application and haven't changed their system user name shouldn’t have any issues with automatic or manual updates. Standard users need to follow a different set of instructions to proceed with a manual update. You can find out if you're an administrator or a standard user with the instructions on this page.

To update your application from a standard account:

1. Download the latest version of the installer.
2. Go to your Downloads folder and find the installer.
3. Open another Finder window and go to ~/Applications (/Users/yourUserName/Applications).
   • Note: If this folder doesn't currently exist, go to your user directory, create a new folder, and name it Applications
4. Double click the Dropbox icon.
5. Click Spotlight.
6. Click System Preferences.
7. Click Users & Groups.
8. Select Login Items. You'll be presented with a list of applications. If there is an existing Dropbox entry press the - (minus) button to remove it.
9. In the same screen, press the + (plus) button and go to the location where you placed Dropbox, ~/Applications (/Users/yourUserName/Applications).

10. You should be able to start Dropbox from the Applications folder.

Please note that the application still doesn't have permissions to automatically update, so you will have to follow these instructions next time you require to update it.