16 May 2019 Update: after Google Drive FS updated (Material redesign, v31.0.13.0), I got the System Extension Blocked which was easily resolved by following the message. See below for step-by-step instructions for macOS. Further on is more troubleshooting steps for macOS and Windows.
I love the intention of Drive File Stream with on-demand access to my whole Drive without worrying about local storage limitations. But this problem is really annoying to lose native file access on my Mac, also shortcuts get broken and favourites in Finder disappear.
I've had this error 2 times on my Mac (High Sierra) since using Google Drive Sync. On one occasion, a simple restart was the fix, and the other occasion I had to do the below steps.
macOS
- Open Drive File Stream.
- At the top left, go to
System Preferences
- Next to "System software from developer 'Google, Inc.' was blocked from loading," click Allow.
If Drive File Stream still isn't working, then continue with these troubleshooting steps.
Step 1: Sign out and quit Drive File Stream.
- In your task bar, open Drive File Stream
.
- Click More
and then Sign out.
- Return to Drive File Stream
Step 2: Uninstall Drive File Stream.
On a single computer:
Use standard procedures to uninstall the Drive File Stream application. Consult the OS instructions for your computer if you need assistance.
Across your organisation:
Use the command:
sudo rm -rf /Applications/Google\ Drive\ File\ Stream.app/
Important: When running the rm -rf command, it’s critical that you specify the proper directory. It will not give you a chance to confirm deletions. Enter the command above exactly as it appears.
Step 3: Clear files cached on your computer.
To clear the Drive File Stream cache, delete the user folder using this command:
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Google/DriveFS
Alternative: Use Finder to delete the DriveFS folder, the library folder may be hidden. To find it:
- Open Finder.
- On your keyboard, hold Option.
- In the menus at the top of your screen, click Go
Step 4: Reinstall Drive File Stream
- Uninstall Drive File Stream, as described above. Make sure to complete step 3, to clear cached files.
- Redeploy or reinstall Drive File Stream.
Windows
Step 1: Sign out and quit Drive File Stream.
- In your task bar, open Drive File Stream
- Click More
- Return to Drive File Stream
Step 2: Uninstall Drive File Stream.
On a single computer:
Use standard procedures to uninstall the Drive File Stream application. Consult the OS instructions for your computer if you need assistance.
Across your organisation:
Uninstall Drive File Stream, use the command:
%PROGRAMFILES%\Google\Drive File Stream\<VERSION>\uninstall.exe --silent --force_stop
The --force_stop argument is required if Drive File Stream is currently running. The --silentargument is optional. It will suppress uninstall dialogs and skip end-user confirmation of the uninstall.
The UninstallString registry key for Drive File Stream, (Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{6BBAE539-2232-434A-A4E5-9A33560C6283}), points to the uninstall.exe.
Step 3: Clear files cached on your computer.
To clear the Drive File Stream cache, delete the user folder using this command:
del /S /Q %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google\DriveFS
Alternative: Use Explorer to delete the DriveFS folder. To find it:
Press Win + R to open the run dialog, and then paste %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google\ and press Enter
Step 4: Reinstall Drive File Stream
- Uninstall Drive File Stream, as described above. Make sure to complete step 3, to clear cached files.
- Redeploy or reinstall Drive File Stream.
Supported operating systems
On 30 January 2018, Google dropped support for Yosemite and older macOS versions with the Google Drive File Stream giving a generic error message 'Google Drive File Stream encountered a problem and has stopped'.
The error message in this scenario should be more helpful, i.e. "Sorry, older versions of macOS including Yosemite (10.10) is no longer supported by File Stream. Please upgrade to latest macOS or switch to Backup & Sync".
- Windows: Windows 7 and up. Windows Server editions are not supported.
- Mac: El Capitan (10.11) and up. For High Sierra (10.13), follow the steps below.
At this stage Backup & Sync works with Mountain Lion (10.8) and higher, or Windows 7 and higher.
More resources
- Capture Drive File Stream logs for support. If you contact support about a Drive File Stream issue, you may be asked to send log files to help resolve the problem.
- Drive File Stream release notes
Google Drive File Stream still not working?
Here are the best support options:
- IT Solver is a Google Cloud Partner and we offer paid support for this single issue or a support plan to give ongoing management and concierge support of your whole organisation.
- If you’re a G Suite Admin, contact G Suite Support.
Comments
34 comments
I have this problem and have tried the directions you offer here, which I also found on a couple other sites. It's not working for me. :( . MacOS High Sierra user.
@Ofelio, sorry to hear the above directions are unhelpful. Please try quitting Chrome after step 5. According to Samuel Jacobsen this was required. Let us know if this fixed it.
Edit: added step 6.
unable to fix.
If you're on Mac OS X High Sierra, the problem could have to do with permissions.
Here's a 15-second solution that worked like a charm for me.
http://perfectfitcomputers.ca/google-drive-file-stream-encoutered-a-problem-mac-os-x-high-sierra/
Cheers.
Thanks Chris. This was assumed but I will include this as a check first. https://support.google.com/drive/answer/7329379
I'm running High Sierra, but I do not have the option to allow the "System software from developer "Google, Inc." from blocking Google File Stream. Any suggestions?
Exactly. I have no "Allow" button.
Issue appeared overnight for me. Tried various combinations of both solutions above, no success.
Dropped the application in the trash and re-downloaded/installed and works fine again. No security issues / corrupted files. Bit of bandwidth overhead from having to re-sync some of the larger files that were currently in use.
Thanks for the update, Som! Glad you had enough bandwidth for the re-sync.
Hopefully Jasen Jahn and Nami1114 and see your comment.
I'm running Yosemite. This issue just started a couple of days ago. I get the error every time I sign in. It says it's retrieving the file list.... then the error.
I've done all the above, except the "allow" because I allowed it months ago. I've also renamed the folder as well as deleted it. AND I've downloaded and reinstalled that app.
This is REAL frustrating. I'm paying for GSuite and this is crucial. VERY frustrating. If nothing else, it would be nice if they could enable standard google drive sync... I'm happy to house the files on my system.
Any thoughts folks? Any idea what precipitated this? Why all of a sudden it doesn't work. Was working great last monday / tuesday... Wed it errored.
Dave, I am also running Yosemite.
I came in to the office this morning and the File Steam icon was missing from my desktop as well as my HD.
I have also tried all of the suggestions above.
- renaming the Drive FS file
- uninstall/reinstall app
- restart computer several times
I have gotten it to at least allow me to sign in. It say it is retrieving the files......and then the error pops up again after 1 second. "Google Drive File Stream has encountered a problem and has stopped". Just as you mentioned.
Any other ideas, anyone?
I don't think we're gonna get an answer :(
What's frustrating is that it was working GREAT a few days ago. No issues, then boom, error. Anyone know if there's an older version we can install? Maybe they did an autoupdate that broke it in Yosimite.
Hi Dave, it certainly is frustrating when Google Drive File Stream stops working without explanation. I'd try updating my macOS to High Sierra. Otherwise for expert troubleshooting by yours truly, send a request for paid support to support@itsolver.net or submit a request online: https://support.itsolver.net/hc/en-au/requests/new
Thank you, I can't update it because High Sierra isn't available for my machine.
Thanks for you time.
I was able to fix the issue by closing the Google Stream app then removing this folder: /Volumes/Google Drive
Restarted Stream, folder was recreated and files started syncing without issue again.
I hope this helps some of you.
Have a user with this problem on High Sierra. Have removed Filestream and gone through all the folders in her library and removed anything with any reference to File Stream. Downloaded and installed the latest version, went through the setup, up comes the error again. It was working previously and was allowed under Security. Not showing the allow button now. Also note that it is showing the 'Allow from Anywhere' radio button and this is checked.
@Grans048, thanks for sharing the method that worked for you.
@Ross BOFH, it's frustrating to put in so much time & effort with na resolution. I will do my best to fix this for you as quick as possible. To get started, purchase On-Demand Support.
Nothing is solving this problem for me. I have deleted everything to do with the program and started from scratch about 4 times now. I am running High Sierra 10.13.5 but do not get the option to change any preference to "Allow" google programs. Are there any other solutions? I am trying to set this up for a small business and cant get it working on the first computer :(
I have the exact same problem as Nick and nothing has worked out so far. Very frustrating to have this as it effects my business.
Hi Omer and Nick, if you’re still having trouble, we can troubleshoot the issue together. Visit https://itsolver.net/on-demand
Hi Angus,
Yes - I still have the problem but I don't think there is a solution to this yet. Even google support couldn't do it.
What is your opinion ?
Thanks
Omer
Hi Omer, it’s frustrating when Google support are unable to help. However, I’m confident we will find a solution. We will try to find the quickest way to resolve the issue affecting your environment. We would start with trying isolate the issue to user or system-wide. If we don’t find a solution then I will give a full refund. To get started, start a chat in bottom right corner or visit https://itsolver.net/on-demand
Updated the article to have complete instructions for Mac and Windows. Hope this is more helpful for everyone.
PROBLEM FINALLY SOLVED!!!
Hi, I have tried everything, reinstalling, removing cache and so on, but nothing helped.
Finally a few minutes ago I upgraded my mac OS into Moave 10.14.5 Beta (18F118d) and the problem disappeared👍😉
Google drive is working again, syncing files...
You have to enroll in beta program to get beta, but is enough for basic beta, you do not have to be a developer.
Hope this helps!
Martin
Hi. i'm having a trouble with stream file drive, the program is bloking internet conection. I got to pause the sinc before the sinc start and I can navigate, but if I continue the sinc, it's blocked again. I got to restart the pc because internet doesn't back once it goes. i got win 10. thanks
Hey Andres, sounds very frustrating. If I was in your position I would want to isolate what is causing the interrupted internet connection. Do you have other computers on the same network experiencing this same issue?
I did all the steps above and nothing worked. I deleted Google Chrome and reinstalled and that resolved the problem.
Thank you very much for the update. Clicking Allow in System Preferences resolved my issue with Google drive file stream!
After Updating Win 10 1803 on 31/9/2019 , my google stream drive ( well working before updating) is fail to log in .
There are only a white blank screen .
I tried to delete all cache ( Google/Drive FS) , uninstall , reinstall with different files ( even in silent mode)
But it still doesnt work
Any solution ?
Thank you
Thanks for this. It worked perfectly.
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