Ubuntu Server - Synchronize Dropbox with No Logged User

Intalled dropbox from and downloaded the Python script. Then configured my account and it works ok.

My goal is to have dropbox uploading new files created on the user directory, regardless that user is logged in or not.

I tried with the script below but it fails with a 203 error and restart over and 203 again. Once I log in with that user the daemon works with no problems. Any idea?, how can I trace that 203/EXEC error?

content of /etc/systemd/system/dropbox.service

[Unit]
Description=Dropbox Daemon.
After=network-online.target

[Service]
User=server
ExecStart=/home/server/.dropbox-dist/dropboxd
Type=simple
Restart=always
RestartSec=30

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

journalctl -u dropbox.service

systemd[1]: Started Dropbox Daemon.
systemd[1]: dropbox.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=203/EXEC
systemd[1]: dropbox.service: Unit entered failed state.
systemd[1]: dropbox.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.
systemd[1]: dropbox.service: Service hold-off time over, scheduling restart.
systemd[1]: Stopped Dropbox Daemon.

and once I log in:

dropboxd[1616]: dropbox: locating interpreter
dropboxd[1616]: dropbox: logging to /tmp/dropbox-antifreeze-Y5jTff
dropboxd[1616]: dropbox: initializing
dropboxd[1616]: dropbox: initializing python 3.7.2
dropboxd[1616]: dropbox: setting program path '/home/server/.dropbox-dist/dropbox-lnx.x86-84.4.170/dropbox'
dropboxd[1616]: dropbox: python initialized
dropboxd[1616]: dropbox: running dropbox

sudo journalctl -xe

systemd[1448]: dropbox.service: Failed at step EXEC spawning /home/server/.dropbox-dist/dropboxd: No such file or directory
-- Subject: Process /home/server/.dropbox-dist/dropboxd could not be executed

Thanks in advance!

1 Answer

The problem was the home directory was encrypted! Just followed this article to disable encryption, reboot and it works.

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Sophia Al-Mansoor

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Global Business & E-Commerce Reporter

Sophia analyzes international trade, startup ecosystems, retail transformation, and supply chain logistics for modern digital publications.

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