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Question

I can't access my online files

  • September 24, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 30 views

My files on the desktop are showing the cloud with an exclamation mark. I get an error message “Couldn’t communicate with a Helper application” I am on Box 2.55.132

2 replies

  • Box Employee
  • September 24, 2026

Is this every and all files (that have the exclamation mark)? Does a restart of Drive (i.e. log out, quit the application, restart and log back in) resolve the issue or net any messages that pop up?


Rona Box
  • Community Manager
  • September 24, 2026

Hi ​@GWCTas, 

Welcome to Box Community, and we’re glad to help address your issue with Box Drive! 

 

  • What is the Operating System running in your machine? 
  • Does the error pops-up in your screen randomly, or whenever you open a Box file locally? 
  • When does the first time this error occurred? 
  • Is it your first time using Box Drive in your machine, has it ever worked before? 
  • What troubleshooting steps have you taken so far? 

 

Also, there might be a specific error your Box folders are encountering and here’s how to check: 

Check for Problem Items in Box Drive: 

  1. Click the Box icon in the Windows system tray (bottom-right corner of your taskbar). Alternatively, press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Shift + B. or press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Option + Cmd + Space for MacOS. 
  2. In the Box Drive Search window, click the Gear icon in the top-left corner.
  3. Click Error Updating # items... (or Error updating an item...).
  4. A pop-up window will open displaying all problem items along with a description of the error for each file.

 

To find relevant error message and it’s recommended resolution, please check out article,  Common Error Messages and How to Resolve

 

Hope it helps! Let us if you need additional assistance.