OSX Cannot Launch Dreamweaver - Stuck Updating Site Cache

[ruggedradios]

I'm using the latest OSX and Adobe Cloud to keep apps up to date. Dreamweaver continues to get stuck upon launching with "Updating the Site Cache". I've deleted the app through the Creative Cloud, I've reinstalled it. I hunted down and removed permissions and .plst, but I'm missing something.

I've launched the app holding down COMMAND OPTIONS SHIFT, but that didn't purge the problem either. I'm completely fine deleting ALL sites and caches just to get Dreamweaver working again.

Any advice? Screenshot attached.

[Ben M]

If you have trashed the preferences folder and that is not curing this, can you try logging in as another user and see if the issue persists?

[ruggedradios]

So - MAYBE I'm not deleting all the preferences. Can you provide a path in OSX for the preference files?

[Jon Fritz]

You can try manually reseting your preferences by renaming the personal Configuration folder, DW will create a new factory fresh version on restart.

First, make sure your hidden files are turned on at your OS level (hit "cmnd + shift + ." ), you should then be able to find it here:

Macintosh HD > your username > Library > Application Support > Adobe > Dreamweaver (version) > your language > Configuration

DW has 2 configuration folders, the one within Applications should not be touched, only rename the one in the Library directory. That will completely restore DW's prefs, and hopefully, allow you to open the program.

[ruggedradios]

Thanks so much for the clear directions. I followed them to a "T". I had no luck. It still continues to lock up per my screenshot.

On the advice from another post, I also created a new user and that new user opened Dreamweaver just fine for the new user.

I'd simply like to purge anything Dreamweaver and load a fresh install, but it seems something is still "sticking" around since it's stuck updating a site cache.

[Nancy OShea]

Are you launching from your desktop icon or Creative Cloud desktop app?

Do you have the latest updates for CC Desktop App?

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/creative-cloud-updates.html

Modern Dreamweaver works best with modern operating systems.   Make sure your computer meets the minimum CPU & GPU requirements. Most Creative Cloud apps work on:

• Windows 11 (64 bit), Windows 10 versions 21H2, 21H1, 20H2, 2004, and 1909 (LTSB branches are not supported;)
• macOS 12 (Monterey), macOS 11 (Big Sur), macOS 10.16 or 10.15 (Catalina).

- https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/dreamweaver/system-requirements.html

[ruggedradios]

Thank you. Yup, I'm on an iMac, late 2015 with OS 12 and using the latest Creative Cloud.

[DanP]

I'm having a similar problem. Dreamweaver won't open on MacOS Monterey 12.2.1.  Stuck on "Initializing Files".  Both versions 2020 and 2021 have the same issue.

[cristianod68569097]

Same problem here

[Nancy OShea]

Same problem here

By @cristianod68569097

============

This discussion is from October 2022.  So probably not the same problem.

• Which version of Dreamweaver?
• Which operating system?

Dreamweaver's system requirements state it will run on Windows 10 (v 1903 or higher) and macOS v11 (Big Sur), macOS v10.15, macOS v10.14 (Catalina).

https://helpx.adobe.com/dreamweaver/system-requirements.html

Most current Creative Cloud Adobe apps run natively on Mac M1 Chip computers.  However some apps are not optimized for M2 Chip yet.  See screenshot.

[roberts33286217]

I have had this problem since Feb 2023 and have not been able to use Dreamweaver since. It crashes on start up loading caches, I have to force quit. I have tried everything to no avail. I'm still looking for a solution.

[Ben M]

What version of DW and what version of Mac OS?

[roberts33286217]

DW 21.4.0 - macOS Sonoma 14.6.1 (Mac mini M2)

[Nancy OShea]

Restore Preferences:

https://helpx.adobe.com/dreamweaver/kb/restore-preferences-dreamweaver.html

Ensure that your local site folder is defined & resides on your primary computer hard drive.

[roberts33286217]

I have tried restoring prefs but it still crashes. I'm unable to check/define any site folders or change any cache settings from within dw as I cannot get past the loading screen.

[Ben M]

I have tried restoring prefs but it still crashes. I'm unable to check/define any site folders or change any cache settings from within dw as I cannot get past the loading screen.

By @roberts33286217

Did you ever migrate in the past from an older Mac using the migration assistant? If so, can you log in with a guest user or an alternate user account and see if DW starts?

[roberts33286217]

I created a new root os user, it still crashed at the 'have you used dreamweaver before' loading screen.

[roberts33286217 · Accepted solution]

Creative cloud cleaner tool seems to have done the trick, I hope it lasts.

[PixelPainter]

1. Where in the world do I even FIND the cloud cleaner tool?
2. Does it delete any files that I have created with the application? Or just the application folder, app, and supportive files?
3. Can I clean ONLY Dreamweaver without touching or affecting any other Adobe apps?
THANKS very much!

[roberts33286217]

The cleaner tool and instructions are here.

https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

I used only to repair Dreamweaver, it did not affect any of my other Adobe apps and I did not loose any files.